Encyclopedia of

Ganglion cyst removal

Definition

Ganglion cyst removal, or ganglionectomy, is the removal of a fluid-filled
sac on the skin of the wrist, finger, or sole of the foot. The cyst is
attached to a tendon or a joint through its fibers and contains synovial
fluid, which is the clear liquid that lubricates the joints and tendons of
the body. The surgical procedure is performed in a doc tor's
office. It entails aspiration, or draining fluid from the cyst with a
large hypodermic needle. The cyst may also be excised (removed by
cutting).

Purpose

Ganglion cysts are sacs that contain the synovial fluid found in joints
and tendons. They are the most common forms of soft tissue growth on the
hand and are distinguished by their sticky liquid contents. The cystic
structures are attached to tendon sheaths via a long thin tube-like arm.
About 65% of ganglion cysts occur on the upper surface of the wrist, with
another 20%–25% on the volar (palm) surface of the hand. Most of
the remaining 10%–15% of ganglion cysts occur on the sheath of the
flexor tendon. In a few cases, the cysts emerge on the sole of the foot.

Ganglion cysts have appeared in medical writing from the time of
Hippocrates (c. 460–c. 375
B
.
C
.). Their exact cause is unknown. There are some indications, however,
that ganglion cysts result from trauma to or deterioration of the tissue
lining in the joints that secretes synovial fluid.

A ganglion cyst is usually attached to a tendon or muscle in the
wrist or finger (A). To remove it, the skin is cut open (B), the
growth is removed (C), and the skin is sutured closed (D).
(

Illustration by GGS Inc.

)

Ganglion cysts can emerge quite quickly, and can disappear just as fast.
They are benign growths, usually causing problems in the functioning of
the joints or tendons of the hand or finger only when they are large. Many
people do not seek medical attention for ganglion cysts unless they cause
pain, affect the movement
of the nearby tendons, or become particularly unsightly.

An old traditional treatment for a ganglion cyst was to hit it with a
Bible, since the cysts can burst when struck. Today, cysts are removed
surgically by aspiration but often reappear. Surgical excision is the most
reliable treatment for ganglion cysts, but aspiration is the more common
form of therapy.

Demographics

Ganglion cysts account for 50%–70% of all soft tissue tumors of the
hand and wrist. They are most likely to occur in adults between the ages
of 20 and 50, with the female: male ratio being about 3: 1. Most ganglion
cysts are visible; however, some are occult (hidden). Occult cysts may be
diagnosed because the patient feels pain in that part of the hand or has
noticed that the tendon cannot move normally. In about 10% of cases, there
is associated trauma.

Description

Patients are given a local or regional anesthetic in a doctor's
office. Two methods are used to remove the cysts. Most physicians use the
more conservative procedure, which is known as aspiration.

Aspiration

An 18- or 22-gauge needle attached to a 20–30-mL syringe is
inserted into the cyst. The doctor removes the fluid slowly by suction.

The doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the joint after
the fluid has been withdrawn.

A compression dressing is applied to the site.

The patient remains in the office for about 30 minutes.

Excision

Some ganglion cysts are so large that the doctor recommends excision. This
procedure also takes place in the physician's office with local or
regional anesthetic.

Excision of a ganglion cyst is performed as follows:

The physician palpates, or feels, the borders of the sac with the
fingers and marks the sac and its periphery.

The sac is cut away with a scalpel.

The doctor closes the incision with sutures and applies a bandage.

The patient is asked to remain in the office for at least 30 minutes.

Diagnosis/Preparation

Ganglion cysts are fairly easy to diagnose because they are usually
visible and pliable to the touch. They are distinguished from other
growths by their location near tendons or joints and by their fluid
consistency. Ganglion cysts are sometimes confused with a carpal boss (a
bony, non-mobile spur on the top of the wrist), but can usually be
distinguished by the fact that they can be moved and are usually less
painful for the patient.

The doctor may schedule one or more imaging studies of the hand and wrist.
An x-ray may reveal bone or joint abnormalities. Ultrasound may be used to
diagnose the presence of occult cysts.

Aftercare

Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours
after surgery and report any signs of infection or inflammation to their
physician. A follow-up appointment should be scheduled within three weeks
of aspiration or excision. Excision may result in some stiffness after the
surgery and some difficulties in flexing the hand because of scar tissue
formation.

Risks

Aspiration has very few complications as a treatment for ganglion cysts;
the most common aftereffects are infection or a reaction to the cortisone
injection. Complications of excision include some stiffness in the hand
and scar formation. Ganglion cysts recur after excision in about
5–15% of cases, usually because the cyst was not completely
removed.

Normal results

Aspirated ganglion cysts disappear and cause no further symptoms in
27–67% of cases. They may, however,
reoccur and require repeated aspiration. Aspiration combined with an
injection of cortisone has more success than aspiration by itself.
Excision is a much more reliable procedure, however, and the stiffness
that the patient may experience after the procedure eventually goes away.
The formation of a small scar is normal.

Morbidity and mortality rates

The only risks for ganglion cyst removal are infections or inflammation
due to the cortisone injection. There is a small risk of damage to nearby
nerves or blood vessels.

Alternatives

Alternatives to aspiration and excision in the treatment of ganglion cysts
include watchful waiting and resting the affected hand or foot. It is
quite common for ganglion cysts to fade away without any surgical
treatment.

User Contributions:

I have had a ganglion/bible cyst on my wrist for at least 2 years now. A few months ago I had aspiration, or removal with a needle. It was just like a jelly when it came out. Then the doctor injected a steroid to prevent inflamation. However he didn't give me a splint or tell me to stop doing anything I normally do. Now that I look back I wish he would have recommended a splint. A rumor I hear is vitamin E extract, aloe vera, or preparation H can also treat cyst in lotion form. I have done a lot of research. I have also broken both of my wrists skateboarding twice. I believe my cyst is due too extreme trauma. It is only my right wrist although I have broken both twice. Since my cyst came back I am going to lower the activity of my right wrist, and use aloe vera.
Any tips?

I had a volar ganglion cyst ever since childhood (I'm 37 now). It got bigger in recent years. I finally asked my doctor to treat it. He simply injected cortisone directly into the cyst (no aspiration), and after a couple of days I noticed it had shrunk. Now about 5 weeks later, I can find nothing left--you couldn't tell it was ever there.

I have had a ganglion cyst on the top of my wrist for about 11 years. In the past the pain was easily relieved with a brace, but it is now about the size of a cherry tomato and causing funny pain up my arm and down my hand. I have trouble with fine motor skills like brushing my teeth and hair. I am going to a surgeon about it next week!

I HAD A GANGLION CYST REMOVED ON OCT 19 AND ITS NOW NOV 20TH I HAVE A BUMP ON TOP OF THE INCISION THAT HURTS AND HAS NOT BECOME SMALLER. IT LOOKS LIKE A GANGLION CYST IS STILL THERE. COULD IT BE THAT ITS STILL SWOLLEN OR THAT THE CYST RETURNED SO SOON. IT HURTS TO BEND THE WRIST AND SPOT GETS HOT AND PAIN RUNS UP MY ARM LIKE I HAD BEFORE THE SURGERY. WHAT CAN BE HAPPENING

I've had an occult ganglion cyst for 2 years. My Dr couldn't tell me what was wrong for the longest time. It wasn't until I went to a specialist that I found out. I am now on a wait list for the surgery to remove it. It's affected my whole life. I was in school for firefighting and ended up having to give it up because of this damn ganglion. Good luck to everyone who's in the same boat as me...how frustrating it is though.

I had a ganglion cyst aspirated yesterday that was located at the base of my left ring finger and the dr. did not drain any fluid out rather he just injected the cortisone into the cyst. I am having incredible pain in my finger and where the cyst was located. I am wondering if this is a normal amount of pain. It is very swollen as well. Did anyone else have bad pain the day after aspiration??

I too suffer for many years with cyst on left middle finger, lst joint. I have had 2 aspirations, and it has not gone away. I garden frequently, and use this hand for removing stubborn weeds! I have made an appointment to see if they can remove it surgically since I have suffered so long, and now it is at its largest, very painful, and too sensitive to the touch! Wish me luck, I will report back,

I have had surgery to remove the ganglian cyst on the top of my right wrist after two aspiration attempts. It's been three months since the surgery, and I still have a bump that looks like the original cyst, but my doctor says its just scar tissue. Another blog suggests it may take over a year for the scar tissue to go away. Sometimes I regret the surgery, but at the same time the majority of the pain has gone away. During surgery, I took the opportunity to have the doctor remove scar tissue from a previous injury, so I'd say it was worth it.

Had a lump appear 2 inches away from my ankle, on my left foot, along the tendant line of my baby toe. Just appeared all of a sudden too. no pain..but when i tap it..i can tell there is a bit of numbness. don't know if it was caused by trauma. i do treadmill for lympatic drainage purposes to prevent cellulite and elyptical. after reading about ganglian cyst, not gonna do anything about it unless it becomes a problem. don't wanna have it treated now to have to have it treated again later because it reappears or some crap like that. i hate needles so wnt do unless absolutely necessary. thanx for all ur entries guys, glad to know i'm not alone in this wierd hunchback of notredame foot and wrist shit

just had a mucous cyst removed today on the 1st joint of my right ring finger. When it filled with the sticky fluid, it was very painful and caused a burning sensation. The doctor found "mice" under it (lay term). They looked like tiny stones. I have a feeling it is going to be VERY uncomfortable when the local wears off. Had it obout 7 months. I am hoping for the best! Ihad one on my wrist a few years ago. You need to massage it a lot to break down scar tissue after it heals.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my right wrist approximately 12 years ago. My wrist is fine now. I had the surgery, then had a cast placed on my arm for a while. I'm not sure if there was a lump during that time or not, but after the cast was removed there was no lump.
I now have one on my left wrist and am planning to go back to the doctor who did the first one. The only thing I would recommend you do is to find a doctor who specializes. Here we have a practice where each doctor while he can see or treat you for any break, etc, they each have one area that they are best at. (i.e., one does toes and feet, one does hands and fingers, etc).

hi i had a cyst on my left wrist following a nasty injuty with a hard impact to the wrist i suffered for 3 years before they decided to remove the cyst its 4 weeks later and its still swollen and painful and stiff there! the doctor has signed me off for another week and told me i have inflamation of the scar tissue what exactly is the doctor telling me is going on inside? and how long should i expect this to last?

had a ganglion cyst removed from the top of my wrist 2 days ago. it's wrapped and in a brace for the next 6 days. my fingers are swelled. is this normal from the surgery or is this a sign of something more severe?

ive a ganglion cyst on the top of my right wrist.. ive had it for 2 years and its gettin sore now so im going 2 see a surgeon 28oct. hopefully its not 2 big for aspiration the thoughts of surgery make me sick =[

Hi I have had a ganglion cyst for awhile - it seems like its gotten alot bigger. If i use my right hand too much i get very weak and it hurts real bad - sometimes when i don't do anything it still bothers me - Does the Doctor recommend the Aspiration first or do they go directly to surgery - My daugher at the age 10 has just found out today she has the ganglion cyst in her right hand - they are very small though. he told me for her to ice pack and put a brace on - She plays violin and hurts her real bad - the doctor stated it will go away. Could this be true??

i too also had a tendon cyst on my right wrist but i didn't undergo any of those procedures. the doctor just pressed the cyst hard then it feels like something pop and the cyst was smaller. he recommended that i massage it all the time so that it won't grow back. but until now i can still feel it and iam scared that it will grow bigger again.iam really worried because iam right handed and gets conscious when other people holds my hand or when they get to see it.

I have a ganglyion cyst on my foot. I had it removed once and was in a cast but it came back. It has been about 2 years since I got my sugery and the pain is coming back. Is there any way I can get this permanatly removed? you can email me at illkillu14@gmail.com

i recently hada cyst removed off of the right wrist (palm side). the doctor cought it in time when it was still small, i was woundering in what percentage if they come back or if they dont. the artical i read said they may or may not come back, thats if the doctor got it all out. also how rare is it to get it on the palm side of the wrist.

I have a recurring cyst in my wrist which I beat the crap out of when it gets big. It immediately pops under the skin and is minimally sore for a day or two. It then takes a few months for me to notice its return.

I noticed mine in mid November also on my right wrist. It could only be seen if I bent my wrist but within a month it could definitely be seen when my wrist was in a relaxed position. My PCP referred me to an office spcializiing in hand/foot surgery and it will be removed (not aspirated) at the end of January. My job consists of 98% computer work so it is sore much of the time.

Going into surgery tomorrow. I'm a computer programmer so I use my hands quite a bit. I have a cyst on the back of my right wrist. More likely from the mouse. I'm choosing not to use aspiration but rather surgical removal of the cyst.

I've had a ganglion cyst on my hand for years. It burst once while I was playing basketball. It comes back from time to time, but if I push on it a little bit it usually drains away. I'd recommend giving it a smack!

I have had surgery 3 times on my left wrist for a dorsal ganglion cyst. I have also had aspiration done on the same wrist. I am going back again o the 20th of Feb. to get it removed once again. I figure if the 4th time of getting this thing removed doesn't work, I am done messing with it. It causes so much pain and I have to type for work. I wear my wrist brace everyday at work and by the time I get home, the pain in my arm, wrist and hand is unreal. I was told by many hand surgeon's that there is no guarentee that the cyst will remain gone. I can only hope. Good luck to everyone.

I have had a ganglion cyst on my right foot on the inside just under my big toe. I went to the Dr and he aspirated it and then shot it with cortisone. He then gave me a tight sock to wear and I am to go back in two weeks. My foot is so sore, I can't even walk on it. Has anyone had this pain after an aspiration and if so,how long does it last? It is hard to rest my foot being I need it to walk on!

My 16 year old son had a ganglion cyst removed from the top of his wrist four weeks ago. Stitches were removed two weeks ago. We went back to the doctor Friday and the doctor didnt like the way it looked. The "bump" where the cyst was is larger and more obvious than the original cyst. The doctor was not sure if the cyst had returned or if this is scar tissue. Has anyone had this experience? Also, the pathology report stated the growth was, "a ganglion cyst with focal fibrosis. tissue was negative for atypicallity". that is good news, but still concerning to a mom when the growth comes back so fast....could this be sypmtomatic of something more serious? please tell me if i am a worrywart mom...it wont hurt my feelings.

I have had a small cyst on the palm side of my wrist for some time, mostly non painful, but a while back i noticed it had become elongated. it now starts at the base of my palm and goes an inch and a half or so towards the middle of my palm. It feels about 1/4 of an inch wide. For the most part, it only bothers me when i play guitar for more than 30 minutes at a time.

I have not read of any other cysts becoming elongated, should this concern me?

I had a huge ganglion cyst on my ankle, but mine was in between two bones so it wasn't visible. It took forever to diagnose...I was told I had strained, sprained, twisted the ankle and had been treated for these injuries but of course that treatment did nothing. I was also told I had achilles tendonitis and the treatment for that did nothing either. Finally, an orthopedic surgeon ordered an MRI and found the cyst. I decided to surgically remove it. My surgery was a little over a month from when I had gotten the MRI and the cyst had more than doubled in size! There was also a lot of inflammation in my ankle which my surgeon took care of when he was removing the cyst. The recovery is not bad...it is BORING since I can't bear any weight on the ankle for a month but the pain is minimal if any. I would definitely recommend surgical removal if the cyst causes you pain...it may take a while to get back to normal activity but I couldn't walk on my foot before the surgery so it is well worth it!

I am 28 and when i was 16 i had a very large cyst removed from my right wrist. It had actually damaged the bones in my wrist and i had to have them repaired with pins. My wrist had hurt for a few years, but you couldnt see anything.... all of a sudden in about the space of 2 weeks it go HUGE and visible. I couldnt move my wrist and it was every bit of the size of a golf ball just a little left of center on the top of my wrist. That was pretty heinous and had to do a lot of PT to loosen the scar tissue. Two years later i had another large cyst removed from my left wrist. It wasnt nearly as bad.... but now i got these weird bumps on my ankle and im wondering if this is what they are? One like right inside my ankle bone and then 2 more lumps right next to each other above my ankle more towards my shin. They are red and HURT like they are pulling on my muscles or something. Not cool

I am 28 and when i was 16 i had a very large cyst removed from my right wrist. It had actually damaged the bones in my wrist and i had to have them repaired with pins. My wrist had hurt for a few years, but you couldnt see anything.... all of a sudden in about the space of 2 weeks it go HUGE and visible. I couldnt move my wrist and it was every bit of the size of a golf ball just a little left of center on the top of my wrist. That was pretty heinous and had to do a lot of PT to loosen the scar tissue. Two years later i had another large cyst removed from my left wrist. It wasnt nearly as bad.... but now i got these weird bumps on my ankle and im wondering if this is what they are? One like right inside my ankle bone and then 2 more lumps right next to each other above my ankle more towards my shin. They are red and HURT like they are pulling on my muscles or something. Not cool

I had a ganglion cyst for a few months & I just popped it by smashing it with my fist..Its popped & I massaged the top of the hand to distribute the gel evenly so it would disolve into the surrounding tissue..Was that a dangerous move???

It seems like recurring ganglions isn't that rare. I had the same experience as many here. Had a dorsal cyst removed from my right wrist. The cyst was back even before the cast was taken off. I decided not to have a second operation. It bothers me, though.

I need to have surgery to remove the cyst does anyone know about how much this will cost or how much they paid for this( with insurance)i know it varies by Doctor and state and insurance but i just want an ballpark figure if anyone knows.....

i had a ganglion cyst on my wrist removed on the 16th april, when i returned to have check up 2 weeks later it was back i am now going in on the 19th june to have it removed again as the pain is unbearable

I had a ganglion on top of my right wrist. I had it removed 3 years ago. After if healed I had a lump still. It came back. A year later I had it removed again. They did some burning of something is there too. What ever the 2nd guy did, it worked. No problem. If you can I recommend it be removed even a second time if necessary. Now I have one along my archilles tendon in my foot. Dr. appointment tomorrow.

I have this bumpy thing in my right wrist.Before, it was only a single round thing but now i think it divided into two!I'm really conscious of it that i actually bought something just to cover this. I have read so many things about this ganglion cyst and I'm afraid of surgery as one method to treat this. Thinking of all the results after treating this cyst...,i think i just let this be removed on its natural way..hoping there is..

When i was 18 i had a huge ganglion cyst surgicaly removed. Im now 32 and it came back.Much smaller this time.I tried asperation but the dr couldnt get much out in the needle. He even shot it up with cordizone 2 diffrent times with in a 8 week period.it did nothing.It hurts me since it is most likley pushing on some nerves.The 1st time i had it cut out it was cake.I was awake and had my arm straped to a board as they shot it up with novicane directly in the cyst.This time my dr will not touch it.Says he is refering me to a specialist since there will be alot of scar tissue cutting into it this time.The specialist says he will have to give me the twilite at a minimum.He refuses to let me be awake.I dont like being put to sleep.Im gonna use a week of vacation time and have the surgery some time this summer.

I have had cysts since I was ten (about 28 years) and this time its painfull in both wrists at the same time. It came on suddently after going to two specialists one who won't touch my wrists at all the second one told me that i have alot of scar tissue several small cysts and arthitis...so, there is not alot I can do except hope he comes up with a magical cure because this pain is tremendous and I cant live on pain killers and they are to small to suck the fluid out...

I have had multiple ganglion cysts on the bottom of my foot along the tendon for many years. My doctors have never suggested aspirating them, nor have they recommended surgery. In fact they never commented much on them, rather dismissed my concerns. I have been very frustrated as they are very painful at times and I believe they are affecting the nerves in my foot causing my toenails to appear less healthy with a high degree of breakage. After reading all these comments I will look for a good foot surgeon and get, once again, another opinion. Will keep you all posted.

I have had a ganglion cyst in my wrist for about two years due to playing too much violin. I had it aspirated, but it came back within two weeks.
I can't bend my wrist further than a 120° angle, and it is in a lot of pain from when I accidentally bent it the other day. I wear a brace when it hurts, but right now it's not helping. Seems to make it even weaker.
I'm sick of my wrist being so weak. I can barely do anything with it. I'm considering the surgery, but I'm afraid it'll make things worse.
Anybody had it and it went well?

im 15 and i just recently noticed a cyst on my right wrist and it has gotten considerably bigger in a short amount of time. i dont want to live with this thing on me for the rest of my life. it doesnt hurt that bad but there is some pain and i would much rather pay to get it removed than have to live with it forever.

Had major surgery on my foot ganglion cyst 6 months ago. Paid a fortune for it, even though I have insurance. Well, at least I met my huge deductible for the year. ha.

Now have a nasty brownish 5 inch scar down the top of my foot. Did I mention I had to be on crutches for a month too? Ugh. At least I had high hopes it was done with and I was cured of it forever.

NOT!!! It's already coming back right where it started the last time, in the same place. Already the little bump is the diameter of a dime protruding underneath the skin where it all started in the first place....before it took over the near entire surface of the top of my foot like last time.

Starts out as a small little marble looking thing under the skin and already it is junctioning sideways in the form of a rectangle! It doesn't really hurt all that much again yet, it just feels like a giant pimple underneath my skin that would happily SPEW its little heart out if given a needle for relief. Sorry, I know that sounds grose. But I know it's going to get huge again like last time. That's how it's been so far. Numerous aspirations and cortisone injections. Finally getting too thick for that form of therapy, then requiring surgery.

I didn't get to see what was actually taken out because I was put under for an hour while it was surgically removed, but at my followup appointment all the doctor and nurse could talk about was that it was the 'hugest one they had ever SEEN, and it looked like a gigantic jellyfish! Wish I could have seen it for myself before it got sent off to the lab. Oh well.

Am going back to the same Podiatrist Specialist after another ordered MRI next week and will probably have to undergo either another aspiration and cortisone injection in the office. Which never helps. Seems the little devil feeds off off all that attention.

Mine was from an accident from dropping a vacuum cleaner on my foot 3 years ago. A lesson learned. Wear steel toed boots in everything you do...or risk dealing with leaky tendon juice that turns thick in no time, and requires surgery after surgery to get that root sack cut off somehow.

Maybe I should name the little guy something, and just learn to live with it?...I don't know. Haven't read anything too promising on this website. If I am ever found to be permanently rid of this, and happen to turn out to be a SUCCESS STORY, I will be sure to post it on this website to give others some form of hope and relief from this ridiculous burden ! : )

have a ganglion on the top/middle of my left hand, started small and is now the size of a large gumball you get out of the gumball machine, very unsighlty and causes stiffness and lots of pain. My first visit to a doctor was unsuccessful, he had me doing physical therapy. The cyst got bigger because most of my job consist of typing and using the computer (Legal Adm. Asst). I wear a brace to try to keep it minimized but after typing pleading after pleading, etc. It grows and grows. I went to a specialist and he immediately checked it out, and schedule surgery. After surgery, he will put my hand in a splint or cast for about 10-12 days or longer due to my line of work. He told me it won't do any good if I don't let it heal properly and go right back to work. Wish me luck. PS, I now have a small one appearing on my right hand. Oh my!!

I was diag. with a ganglion cyst on the bottom of the right side of my foot, just to the right of the arch. It is very painful, feels like a hot coal. The recommended treatment by my podiatrist was to apply salicylic acid to the cyst 2x day and cover with a band aid. I need to return in two weeks, I don't know what he'll do next, but I have not seen this treatment mentioned in the above statements. I'll keep you updated.

hay, ive had this cyst on my right wrist for as long as i can remember 2 years. im considering surgery for it but am scared it wont help; because on july 4(it is now sept 5) i was Atv'ing with family and i most likely chipped the bone tip and my doctor will do nothing about that! he wont take me seriously, im only 13. i have limited mobility. im sick over the whole thing and i need help, thanks.

i have had 6 ganglion cysts removed from top of my wrist last in feb 2009, and now i have another one in exact same spot again it is hard to use fingers and have lost momement in right wrist and very limited movement in fingers is this common for so many reocurences tried many different doctors and still no luck getting rid of this pain everyday

i had a cyst removed from my let wrist about 2 years ago and now my wrist is hurting where i had the surgery and into my hand and lower arm by the wrist. there is no bump like there was when i had the cyst i dont know what it could be ? any ideas?

I HAVE HAD 3 SURGERIES IN ONE LAST DECEMBER, HOW EVER AS A RESULT I ONLY HAVE 17% USE OF MY HAND NOW. THAT WASNT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN BUT DID. HOW EVER AFTER REMOVEING THE CYST , GUESS WHAT ITS BACK AGAIN AND JST AS BIG. IM WONDERING WHY IT CAME BACK AND IF I SHOULD LET HIM REMOVE THIS ONE .IM AFRAID I WONT HAVE ANY HAND USE AFTER THIS ONE. I HAVE PAIN DAILY AND AM LIMITED TO WHAT I CAN DO WITH IT. IF ANY ONE HAS ANY INFO PLEASE E-MAIL ME THANKS, JULIE

I have a ganglion cyst that i have had for almost a year now. It was discovered by my chiropractor who was just working on my carpel tunnel. He sent me to a Massage therapist who loosened it up greatly. It was almost gone when I stopped going. this was in march. It is now october and its back and larger. I dont know what to try next i am kinda scared of needles but it hurts really bad and i am only 23 and have a rambunctious two year old and sometimes its so bad i cant hold her or play with her.. any ideas..

I had surgery on friday oct 9th for the removal of a ganglion cyst on my left wrist. I thought that it would just be sore for a day or so and I could return to normal activities. My hand and fingers are swollen and I have pain and burning. Is this normal? I return to the doctor tomorrow for post op examine. My job is typing all day, and I have to process a certain amount per hour, at this rate I am going, it looks like I need to be out for a least 4wks total. I hope that I will be back up to speed by then.

I had mine injected with some sort of steroid by my doctor and it went away for a while then my skin discoloured and i got vertilgo symptoms in the ares where the steroid was. And as it faded the ganglion came back. It sucks so I'm gonna go back and get a ganglionectomy.

@ Angela. I had the same procedure myself. It was done back in 2006, the doctor injected cortisone rather than the usual procedure of aspiration or the surgical method. My left wrist had been fractured before, so I believe this is why it grew. It was incredibly painful before the injection, however, after the injection..oh boy..my entire wrist area was numb for about two weeks. I did not have any problems after that. It is now an entire 3 yrs later and it has grown back. I am not sure how to go about handling this one. The cortisone injection was successful in that it lasted 3 yrs, but I do not want it to grow again, and that is my concern. I am not sure what to do now. I have had 3 surgeries this past year already not related to this problem, I am tired of being cut open! I am afraid of it growing back even if I do have aspiration or ganglionectomy. Has anyone ever had one grow back after a ganglionectomy?

I am a 61 y. o. massage therapist and have apparantly developed a ganglion on the extensor tendon of my left thumb IP joint. This appeared only about 2 weeks ago. I suspect I also have OA developing at both thumb MCP joints. At this time it's not interfering with my work but is tender on palpation and near full thumb IP flexion. What course of action would you suggest? I intend to work several more years.

I just had surgery on my right wrist and i had the ganglion cyst removed and they put a semi cast on me but i have been going through it wondering when is it going to heal all the way,i cant sleep at night without tossin an turnin and i have to say with everything that people go through dealing with casts..i tip my hat off to them. This cast has been messin with my head and next time i pray i dont break nothing..if you have this cyst and you never had surgery before and you want it removed that way, try other alternatives and have surgery as your last option lol.

I have a cyst on the side of my forefinger on my right hand. it is at the level of the second joint. It is large and seems to be growing. It is starting to press on the nerve of the finger and cause me nerve pain and numbness. It is very annoying. I saw my family doctor today and he said injecting that joint would be very painful for probably a week and he was not keen to do it. He advised soft splinting it first to rest it and perhaps it will improve a bit. I am depressed. It hurts and is more annoying now that I cannot bend it. I need to use my hands!

I had a cyst removed form my right wrist two years ago. Was out of work longer then I was told I would be and had to wear a half cast for a couple weeks, pain wasn't bad and I have full use of my hand, in all I am glad I had it done.
Now I have a cyst at the base of my finger! Hurts worse each day I am going to have it removed in January! What makes these things come back? Good luck to each one of you.

I had a ganglion cyst on my right wrist for about 2 weeks. It appeared so fast. I woke up one day and it was there. I bumped it on the corner of the bathroom door lastnight, on accident. I am now cyst free! I asked around and i learned that it may be caused by overexertion. I think my came from typing too much. Basically I believe that they can be caused from doing a little more than your wrist is used to.

I have had a cysts on my right wrist for as long as I can remember. I am well aware if it doesn't hurt, let it be. It is over an artery, so I leave it alone.
About 1 1/2 months ago, after feeling pain in my left foot, this thing appeared all of a sudden! I had been feeling pain there but had no idea a ganglion cysts could form on the top of my foot. Off to the doc I went. After an x-ray and an MRI a ganglion cysts was diagnosed. After aspiration of very little fluid as it had solidified, the area was "traumatized" with the needle in hopes of it dissipating. Well, two to three days later, it had smoothed out and it started looking like a foot again. Yeah! Well, it's been two weeks now and a small area looks like it it starting again. Oh boy here we go again! After researching I discovered that the rate do reoccurrence can be as high as 80%. Some of us are just prone to ganglion cysts. They really do not know what make them for other than repeated use of the area. The doctor has done everything possible to help this situation. There is no blame to place. There is only more research to be done. The good news no matter how painful or disruptive your cyst(s) are, it or (they) are BENIGN!

I had a ganglion cyst on my right foot. It showed up last year around october and rapidly became the size of cherry tomatoe. I had the wait and see what happens approach for 2 months but the cyst kept getting bigger and finally It was so big I had trouble putting on shoes because anything that touched it would hurt. I had it surgically removed in january and it has not come back. Only downfall is that during the surgery I had some nerve damage and still have not regained all of the feeling in on the top of my foot and when I push on the incision site, which is about 2 inches long, my big toe tingles. Unfortunately now I have a lump on my right wrist that seems to be following in the same trend as the one on my foot. I hope this one goes away on its own.

I wore some cute (but very uncomfortable) high-heeled shoes for a New Year's party; then the next day I noticed a large, round bump on the top of my right foot. It doesn't hurt; it feels & looks like a "round bone" on the top of my foot - right in the middle, next to a big tendon that runs down the top of my foot. Although it doesn't hurt, my foot feels "weird" sometimes, with occasional tingling or numbness, I think? I'm guessing this is a ganglion cyst, and it seems like needle-aspiration / surgery might or might not help. I guess I caused some stress & damage by wearing these uncomfortable shoes & dancing/standing in them all night... :( Thanks everyone for your posts & comments; I suppose I should at least see a doctor & confirm it is a ganglion cyst & keep an eye on it to see if it gets bigger & causes me more problems, or if I'm a lucky-case where it disappears on its own. Happy New Year everyone!

I suffered from a ganglion on top of my foot (instep) for a considerable time in my teens (I'm now 48), until it swelled so much that I couldn't put a shoe on, and walking was very painful. On one visit to my doctor, he asked me to place my bare foot on top of the seat for him to examine. He then took a huge medical dictionary from his shelf, opened it to the page where 'ganglion' was explained, and asked me to read it, just so I knew "what we are dealing with." I then gave the book back to him, whereupon he quickly closed it and, to my great shock, he whacked it down incredibly hard on top of my foot. "All gone now," he said. It felt as though he'd broken my foot, but he reassured me that all that had happened was that the ganglion had been shattered, and the pieces would disappear naturally. My instep was bruised for a few days, but the ganglion was gone, and never came back. Worked a treat! Now I read that this 'treatment' was only an urban legend, that no respectable doctor would do such a thing, and not recommended due to side effects, so I better not recommend it. Anyway, it really happened to me...

I have a small ganglion cyst on my big toe, and the doctor told me to get it aspirated, but I've read that it could go away on it's own. I'm not sure if i want to get it removed or just wait - any suggestions?
Oh, and it's not really bugging me at all, unless I bend my toe too far. Otherwise, i can apply pressur and it's not too bad. Oh, and for anyone who wants to tell me "Just smack it!" I can't for 2 reasons. 1)I'd probably hurt my toe and 2)I'm a chicken

I had a large ganglion cyst removed off the top of my wrist a year and half ago it was the size off a golf ball. I had carpal tunnel surgery done at the same time same hand I healed very well from the surgery, although now the cyst has returned about half the size and sore I had a friend smash it with a large book, Painful and not helpful. I lanced it today with a 18 guage needle and nothing came out. my best advice is prayer and maybe homeapathic treatment seems like if they are going to come back your just going to have to find a way to deal with them every couple years. best of luck.

I had a ganglion removed from the top of of my hand about a year ago. Id had it for about 7yrs & it was huge. The doc said i was lucky it hadnt attached itself to my bones. It kept coming & going but everytime it came back i was in a lot of pain & couldnt bend my hand. So i had it removed under local anaestetic, the surgery wasnt bad at all & it took about 2wks to recover. Over the past 2wks ive noticed that ive been getting the pains back which the doc said could happen. Woke up this morning & can hardly move my hand :( there is a very small lump under the scar in the exact same place. I keep getting pins & needles in it too & numbness. Guess i better go back to the docs :(
Can you ever get rid of them & have them not come back?

This is my 2nd wrist gang.cyst...the 1st disappeared on its own; this one apx size of walnut; no pain yet unsightly; HMO refused to aspirate/lacerate...hoping this one will disappear too, until then: I just use the ROUNDNESS as a canvas...paint a delightful HAPPY FACE...move on...if GAWKERS are gonna GAWK...I give 'em something "Beautiful" to marvel over. Wouldn't reco this for JOB INTERVIEWS however...thankful for what I've got: Could be in the middle of my forever...knowing me, I would then PAINT my THIRD EYE...we should start an association: ANTI-GANGLIONS LTD. Good luck...

i have cysts forming on my wrist, and on my left elbow inside my arm. i went to the doctors today and he said to smash the wrist cyst with a book, since i dont have insurance. that seems a little weird, but my girlfriend really wants to do it!!

I had two ganglion cysts between the first and second joints of my right index finger for about six months and finally had surgery to remove them in November 2009. By mid January 2010 a cyst returned in the same area. Will probably need to get surgery done again because it hurts. Will need to spend $$$ again as my annual deductible is $2500 and the last surgery the doctor charged $1700. And don't know if the cyst will come back again! But I will count my blessings as others are having more problems and pain than I am...

I have had 2 surgeries to remove a ganglion cyst on the bottom of my wrist right by my thumb.The last surgery that I had was done in march 3 years ago and by the end of April that same year it started to come back. Keep in mind I had my first surgery only a year and a half before the second on so I wasn't about to have a third one so soon. I'm fed up with dealing with the surgeries so I've just been letting it go these past 3 years. Unfortunately it's getting to the point where I can't take the pain and being that the cyst is located right next to an artery and a nerve ending it's starting to affect them.

after a year of foot pain an mri showed a ganglion cyst the pain @times is unbearable as ive read surgery may not be worth the time lost or money lost! id love to hear from someone who thinks surgery is really worth it

This past December I had a ganglion cyst removed from my right wrist. It was on the upper part of my wrist. My cyst was quite large and had two cells. My doctor tried three times to aspirate it but still the cyst remained. I had to have surgery during December to remove it. Now I have a small lump still under my scar where the incision is. My doctor called it scar tissue and quickly dismissed me. Today it's aching a bit and does so when it rains. I have a vitamin e oil in my purse to massage my wrist with because it gets stiff at times...is this normal or should I try to find a different doctor who won't just rush me out the door

I have had a ganglion cyst on my wrist for years and had it injected several times and it would slowly go away but then it would come back well it just burst and I would like to know if there is anything I can do to relieve the pain (ie: should I wrap it with a ace bandage, apply heat or ice or anything??? Not sure what to do.

I have a ganglion cyst below my right elbow. Have had the fluid taken out three times and it came back. The cyst appeared in 1996 and I will not wear a short sleeve dress, blouse or short sleeve T-Shirt. Although I would like to. Would you recommend surgery? Also, I have broken both wrists due to a fall. I liked Stephen's remarks. Appreciate any suggestions

I have had a ganglion on my left wrist for the past 15 years. I very nearly had it removed 4 years ago but changed my mind as didn't like the idea of the procedure. It recently grew to the size of a ping pong ball! whilst exercising it burst but the fluid just stayed on the surface of my hand and within two weeks the thing was back again. It now hurts like hell so i am finally biting the bullet and having it removed next week.

i have a cyst on the top of my wrist. i've had it there for about a month and it hadnt bothered me up until a week ago. i went to the doctor and he said i can either leave it or i can have it removed. i have stiffness in it now and i am wondering if an aspiration is even going to help. i am very active and i plan on being a softball coach in the summer. any opinions?

I had a cyst on my wrist, went to xray, mri, all kinds of things doctor and specialist recommended. Then they had me on surgery to remove it. Now after 4 months, it comes back. Worse, it hurts now (vs. before that it didn't hurt at all, just got bigger and bigger, so I didn't feel comfortable). I wish I have not done the surgery! Take my advice.
Many friends of mine told me that it can be cured completely with good accupunture doctor, some know and confirm that by seeing their family/friends, some even went through with accupunture doctor. Don't waste your time and your money with mri/surgery because the cyst will come back very soon after the surgery!

I had a cyst on the top of my left foot. I had it drained twice and then opted for surgery and had it done early this week. I sure hope it doesn't come back! Right now my foot is still in pain and I'm in a surgical shoe. I hate this!

Has or does anyone out there had/have a ganglion cyst on the middle joint of their finger? NOT at the base, NOT at the tip--but on the CENTER joint? I've had one for nearly 2 years now and it just will NOT go away--needless to say in my line of work I'm always using my hands, as I'm a cook and barista at two different cafes.ity

Any suggestions? The cyst is located on the inside of my right forefinger, smack dab in the middle of it on the middle joint right where it bends--it looks wierd, like I've got some sort of deformity, ugh!

PLEASE email me if you have/have had a ganglion like this before--so far I've found no one with one in the same location. >.

I had large ganglion cyst on right top of wrist removed surgically over a week a ago. The same bump is still there. I am reading alot of people were told it's scar tissue? I went back to my dr today and he told me there is no problem!it's "post-op" swelling. it hurts just the same as before the surgery. does anyone have any advice?? please email or post thoughts.it feels like cyst is still there or has grown back already.

Hey guys, 2 years ago my friend was pulling me roughly into a class and i felt like a pop in my left wrsit. i thought it was a snapped bone but it never hurt at all. to this day it doesnt hurt or bother me. it looks exactly like a ganglion cyst ive seen in many photos and its in my left wrist. its never hurt or anything but i will be getting surgery in 2 weeks because i heard its cancerous so id like to avoid that. im reading a lot of comments saying the cyst hurt some part of their arm before the surgery but its never hurt me at all so it seems strange. feel free to email me if you have anything to say for me. kelvintoogood@yahoo.com

I had a right wrist ganglion on the ulna bone, had it removed and some of the ulna bone. now just over a year later getting pain again :-( hopefully its not another ganglion but going to doc this week to find out.

One thing I want to say about surgery is yes, you will get swelling if the hand is not elevated after surgery. Keep hand elevated and wiggle fingers at every opportunity to keep swelling down while arm is bandaged.

Also, I did at least nine months of exercises to get my forearm rotation back to normal - the surgery is the easy part, the post-op exercises is the hard part.

Britt.
I am just trying to recover from having my gangion removed from the same finger; but mine was on same joint but on top rather than under. I am now almost 3 months out of surgery and it's AWFUL. It is swollen, hurts like hell,and red. I've had it checked now 7x and all I get is , "It takes time to heal". Well, I'm sure since they had to go into the bone that it does need time; but I am convinced now that either a stitch was left that didn't dissolve OR a piece of bone is still festering in there. I'm going for another opinion and an x-ray to see what's wrong . If you can avoid surgery, avoid it. I hope you find a good solution.

I am 14 and I have a ganglion cyst on the top of my left wrist. I am a dancer so it is really painful and i've had it since July 2009. I've had it aspirated once already and about a week later it came back twice as big as before and it grows bigger basically every day. I am scheduled for surgery on May 11th (Next Tuesday) and im very very nervous! I don't want to have a big nasty scar and I'm terrified of needles! :( But I hate this nasty lump even more! It looks like someone put a very large grape right under the surface of my skin. I'm just glad other people have gone through this already! Good luck to everyone else who has one of these! They suck!

I had a dorsal ganglion cyst removed on 4-4-10. I had it for about a year ot more. It grew to where it was pushing on my Radial nerve and Artery. The pain was horible it generated from my wrist to my elbow then to my neck. I had the cyst removed, I really wasn't prepared for the recovery process. I thought I would be right back to work and everyhting good as new, not true. Mine had to removed from the bone as it wrapped around my wrist. I have been out of work for 4 weeks now, going back tomorrow. I still feel pain and tingling sensations from the surgery. I still have not regained all the feeling back in my thumb area but I am trying to keep positive. I am vey glad the pain in my arm is gone but I just didn't think the recovery would take this long.

I have a ganglion on the inside of my wrist, which appeared from no-where just before xmas and is now about walnut sized and uncomfortable. I have an appointment with a specialist in a few weeks and am very scared about the options.

I have a ganglion occult cyst on my left pinky finger. I have been feeling pain (sometimes even burning extreme pain) for about two months. Doc took xray .. bone joints look fine. He acted as if no big deal and prescribed me an anti inflammantory. I want to see a specialist about excision as I do not want to chance a regrowth that sometimes occur in aspiration. What kind of doctor specialized in this surgery?

I have a cyst on my hand. I had it for about 5 months and the drs say its benign bt now it went down and now I feel pain n my hand and up my arm and my hand is weak and cold. Is that normal or should I seek care asap?

I have a ganglion cyst on my left ankle. I have had it for a very long time, it has just started causing me pain. My Dr. has recommended that I have it removed. I am wondering what the recovery is for this type of surgery from those that have had it done. Thanks for any help.

Hey. I have had a ganglion cyst for about over two years and i havn't had an enormous amount of pain until a couple of years ago. My doctor gave me suggestions on bone doctors to get it examined. Im so nervous that i might have to have it surgically removed because it would really mess up my summer. It hurts more and more each day, and right now it hurts to bend it and move it around. It is also getting bigger and bigger each day. Im getting more and more pain and i honestly cant stand it. I have an appointment coming up next monday and im really nervous. And im at a younger age than required from what i have heard. Im 13 and i have had it since i was 11 so wish me good luck. I think i will need it and i wish you guys luck too.

I just had one excised from the bottom of my right little finger. Im right handed. I have *religiously* kept the hand above my heart even thought it has been very hard to live/eat/dress/type etc but im lucky to have a husband who understands..he had the same thing 6yrs before on his left base of thumb. I wiggle my fingers often, tell myself its just for a week, its worth it.. Feeling came back within the day, and so far only minimal pain right over the cut, no swelling. I had the cyst for about 20yrs but it was only occasionally hurting. I thought I had a bone spur. 2 months ago started to hurt more and my whole hand started feeling weaker, numbness along that side of the hand, etc.. so it was time, it had got bigger, I could feel it easily. I know it can come back but I think I need to take better care of my hands/wrists from now on so plan to look into wrist braces, etc. I work at a PC a lot. Am also wearing a knitted fingerless mitten over it while its in a sling, it helps keep it just a little warm and stops things touching the insiscion, but it still breathes.

I developed a ganglion on top of my right wrist when I was in 11th grade. My Mom took me to the Dr. and he told us what it was. He asked me if there was any pain and I told him no. He said to leave it alone. I had another Dr. do the bible trick, but it came back. 11 yrs. later, I developed pain, called my family Dr. and he sent me to a surgeon. He told me I should have had the cyst removed when I 1st got it. He told me that these cysts grow tentacles and when he went in, I had growth down all of my fingers and clear up to my elbow, with the growth intertwined amongst the tendons. I ended up having 3 sugeries on the same hand in a five year period. So, I would suggest surgery right in the beginning.

I had a large cyst on my right foot due to an minor injury ignored the problem and didnt think anything of it. will it keep getting bigger it was not painful but it just look nasty cause I could wear heels or sandals was embaressed of it or didnt want to keep explain the prob to everyone. Well I have it drained 5 times before I had surgery. Im currently still heal and have been in a splint and have it wrapped. The doctor said that the size of my cyst on the outside was the same on the inside. He had to restructure some of the tissue in my foot..This has been hail for me. I cant apply any pressure to that foot since the staples have to stay secure enough that the wound don't oppen because if it does I have to do a since graf...Im trying to avoid that so I've been following the doc advise. He said that I was lucky and should take care of these problems like this before they get worse. It took him 2hr for my surgery and he also mentioned if I didnt take care of it sooner my foot could of gotten amputated...kind of scary didnt think a bump on your foot can do so much damage..but it did. Im now paying for it since I didn't get it surgically removed when I was told. I cant do anything and it seems like its going to be longer than a month to actually recover. I prop have to go to theraphy to start walking on it again. I hope that everyone takes care of there cyst before it causes damage to your tissue or bone. I really recommend to remove it unless getting it drained have worked for you as it does for some not all. well got to go my leg hurts and I have to keep it elevated at all times. Im trapped in my house.. and its hard getting around with one leg..Never again will I put myself in this situation. Good Luck to all and I hope I do recover well don't want to get a skin graf..take care of yourself.

Am hoping you still check this site; I have just discovered a ganglion cyst on the solee of my foot on a tendon in the arch area.. it appears two weeks ago and seems to be getting bigger qickly. Also noticed another small one on same foot and now two tiny ones on the bottom of my other foot.. Should I get this one aspirated right away rather than wait for it to get so large I cannot walk?

Ok, so I think I have a cyst on my forearm, or whatever the place between your wrist and elbow's called. I don't keep track of body part names. ANYWAYS, I was wondering if the removal procedure would be disturbing for me.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my right wrist in January 2005 and it had recently returned and had it removed on June 10, 2010. The orthopedist claims that there is a 10% chance of recurrence. I had one forming on the left side but it is now gone. I have had success over the years with working with chiropractors on the joints. This way if a misalignment is causing the tendons to catch and create a sac for the fluid, then the adjustment may help minimize or reduce the size. I also use arnica gel for swelling and pain. When the doctor took the cast off today, he was surprised that there was very little swelling (less than normal). I kept ice on it most of the day for the entire week and a half (this also kept me from using it). I also put arnica on my arm below the cast and on my fingers as well as taking arnica tablets. I also was taking ginger/drinking ginger ale because I get sick with needles. Ginger is known for its pain and inflammation fighting properties as well as nausea. I am not a doctor but rather an accountant that abuses my hands at the computers day and night. Good luck to all of you!

I have a dorsal occult ganglion and this FU**ERS are PAINFUL! Going to get it aspirated tomorrow, I really hope it works cuz I have to pick up a 14 month old everyday and it's not so easy when there's excruciating pain shooting through my wrist. I've gotten them in the past but they've never been this painful.

I have a small growth on my wrist, and I believe it's a small dorsal ganglion cyst. It's only visible when I bend my hand down, but it still had me worried. It doesn't hurt but I occasionally experience brief periods of numbness in my pinky and ring finger. (Is that normal?) I don't have the money for a doctor visit, but I'm 99.9% sure that this is a dorsal ganglion cyst. I started taking ibuprofen for it yesterday in hopes that it would go away on it's own and I've started wearing a wrist brace. I read that ibuprofen and a wrist brace can help fight the cyst on another site, is that correct? I'm willing to do anything to avoid surgery.

I just had mine operated on under the wrist near the palm- volar ganglion cyst. The doc said it was a whopper, and have to see the doc in a few days for stitches removed and follow up. It is very swollen so it sounds like I might have to live with that for a fair while to come yet. Pressure on the tendon going down my thumb has been relieved but the wrist is still pretty sore. There is still some pain in the wrist joint and I expect that to stay as I have ben using a walking stick for about 18 years now in that hand. Hopefully the cyst won't come back or won't be as huge if it does. I really don't want to have to go through the op again for not much gain but am glad I did it and am looking forward to regaining most of the use of it again. I had popped it about a year ago but it seemed to form two bubbles and continue to grow the more I used it. It was quite strange when it first appeared and continued to grow during that day. I went to the docs to see what it was as I had never heard of them before.

How do I know the difference between a ganglion cyst and Bouchard's node (osteophyte)?? I've got something on top of the knuckle (under the skin) - at the PIP joint. It started our like a BB pellet and then another grew next to it - now they appear to be jointed. Thanks!

I had ganglion cyst removed three weeks ago. The wrist is still very tender and it looks like the cyst is still there. The area that the cyst was removed still has a large lump/bump just like before surgery. It is about the size of a qurater and it sticks up. Should I be concerned?

I had a dorsal ganglion removed from my right wrist, very close to the radial artery, on 12/21/09, and am now having the same pain I had before the surgery. Have a bump also again in the scar. I tried to tell the dr 2 months after surgery I thought it had already came back he said no it is just scar tissue swelling because you are beginning to use it more. I think it is back! Gave his opinion a chance but I am gettin pain from my wrist up into my arm again, and I think it is time for me to visit the dr again. I can't stand it and am very tired of being in pain. Good luck to everyone else.

I have a ganglian cyst in the top of my right wrist. I had an excision (surgically removed) and it went for about 6 weeks. The cyst has now come back and it hurts like hell. It has reappeared just next to the gaping scar but is not as big as before, however hurt much much more. Been to the doctors and he has give me some anti-inflammatorys to try and reduce swelling which should reduce pain. IF no luck in 10 days i have to go back in for surgery. I don't see the point in surgery again anyone got any tips or advice they can give me? cheers

I have a reoccuring ganglion cyst on my right wrist (top). It has appeared off and on throughou my life (i am 57. It Would drain on it's own. Recently, probably due to increase computer use, it reappeared. Because of back strain I have been taking ibuprofen regularly for 3 weeks, and my cyst drained. I read that anti-inflammatory agents can help. May take a few weeks though. I also push hard on it periodically. Mine never hurt or caused problems with movement, though. The cyst is still there just even with the wrist joint now.

My son has a huge growth on his finger. I don't know what it is but it's from the knuckle to the bottom of the finger and so big it looks like it's ready to burst. It's been there for a number of years but just starting to really affect his work and painful. Can you give us an idea as to this being a cyst of some kind, should we be concerned? I can send you a picture of it.

Ive had sever foot pain for the last 2 years. The foot doc kept telling me to stop wearing flip flops and my pain would go away. Now the pain is so bad I can barely put pressure on my heel. The top of my foot hurts like hell and shoots pain up my calf. I finally convinced him to order an MRI and I have 3 ganglion cyst in my foot, one in each of my ankle joints and one on the top of my foot. You cant see them, they must be pushing on some nerves, not to mention that one of the cyst is growing to the tendon that runs from the foot into the calf area. The pain is worse every day and my foot feels like its gonna explode. I really want to see a different doctor but I hope he will surgically remove the 3 cyst because now my foot swells up more and more every day. I feel for all of you because I know my pain is excruciating. Any advice on how to get him to skip asperation and go strait to surgery. I cant take this pain much longer!

I have 6 ganglions on my left wist/hand...
*one on my finger next to my thumb (just at base of nail)
*one big one on top of wrist (dorsal)
*one volar (below thumb on wrist)
*three on wrist (where pulse is taken)
Pain is terrible, went to doc a few weeks back, she said nothing could be done... just put a support on it when it's painful!!

I'm scheduled to have removal surgery on my dorsal ganglion on my left wrist. I've had it on and off for years, comes and goes and I've managed to pop it a couple of times when falling whilst taking part in sports, which seemed to do the trick. It doesn't cause pain and only mild discomfort but thought the surgery would be the best solution, but having read everyone else's comments on this site I am seriously having second thoughts about doing anything with it - leave well enough alone especially as it is more unsightly than painful. Then I have a concern about the persons comment that said because they left it it invaded all sorts of areas of their hand and arm. Now I'm completely confused as to what to do for the best.

Hi Helen - I had surgery to remove a ganglion cyst on my right (dominant) wrist on July 22. I was in constant pain prior to the surgery and an MRI showed that my cyst was down in the joint instead of raised up (I had no bump on my skin but turns out the cyst was quite large). For how I'm suffering post-surgery, if you're not suffering from anything but the mild discomfort you mention, I wouldn't go the surgery route. I lead a very active life, love working out, etc. and the healing after the surgery is way worse than I was mentally prepared for. I was under the impression that post-surgery I would be back to normal in a few short weeks. I'm nowhere near normal yet and also had to start physical therapy this week because my wrist is hurting constantly and I'm having moderate to severe mobility issues. I'm not one to give people advice about ANYTHING like this but feel the need to mention my, admittedly, anecdotal experience. Good luck with any decision you make and feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

Also, Anne - you need a new doctor. Go see a hand specialist or a hand surgeon. No way in heck there's "nothing to be done". That's a terrible doctor. There are other non-surgical treatments available too. Sheesh, you have NO REASON to be suffering.

Hi I just wanted to share that I have had a re-occuring ganglion on my left wrist since Jan 2006. I first had it removed (operation at local hospital) under local anaesthetic in May 2006 and it measured 1.5cm. Unfortunately it re-occurred again approx. 18 months later and contintued to grow. I had it removed again on Friday (Sept. 10th 2010) where it measured 3.5cm. I am now hoping that it is gone for good! The pain afterwards is quite severe, although I do have a low pain threshold!

I have a ganglion cysts on the top of my left foot; not in the sole part where I have read that it is common. I am affraid that excision will not solve the problem since the cyst becomes full and empties itself every day. The doctor told me I have to wait until the in-and-out valve is damaged so he can mark the perifery of the cyst and cut it. However, the skin in my foot around the cyst changed its color and its darker. I am very concerned with waiting for the valve to get damage to get it surgically removed, since I don't know if that may take years. Also, it is painful. I cannot touch the are without care, because I hurts a lot. Do you know who is the best doctor in the US who would surgically the ganglion / synovial cyst on the upper face of my foot? Thanks. CRP (paula@laborcounsels.com)

I have had ganglion cysts on the palm side of my left wrist two times. I found that if I take my thumb and exert increasing pressure the cyst simply "disappears". I assume it is releasing the fluid inside. Seems to work like a charm. It is mildly painful.

I had surgery a year ago on a ganglion on my middle, middle finger joint. It took about 4 months of physical hand therapy to get my finger to bend, but it still won't bend as tight as the others. About 6 months after the first surgery, I got another small cyst just upstream from the last. The specialist determined it was a type of cyst that occurs when skin cells from two different layers mix (from incisions, or deep cuts) and are often found by scar tissue. Now a year latter, I have another ganglion in the middle finger joint close to my hand. It flares up and becomes painful the more I use my hands, so I'm having that removed in a week. I don't understand why I keep getting these in or on my finger joints.

I've had a ganglion on the top of my foot for the last 2 yrs. Initially it came and went, but now has persisted. It got to about 2cm diameter then ruptured last week causing me to take 4 days off work. My doctor recommends surgery although I am not very keen. He says the scarring can be quite significant, I'll probably have 3- 4 off work and I've read that they can always come back. Don't know what to do. Since last week the whole ganglion has flattened but the whole of the top of my foot is very swollen. I'm hoping it will all settle down and will not require surgery. Will keep you posted!

I slipped on ice a couple winters ago and broke my wrist. A couple days later I woke up with a painful bump on my inner wrist. I contacted my doctor after I realized that the cyst was getting larger. He referred me to surgeon and on July 1, 2010 I had a ganglion cyst excision. It is now October and I am in pain everyday. The pain is worse then before the surgery. I had some scar tissue and slight nerve damage that causes my fingers to randomly go numb.I am hoping that in a couple months things get better with physical therapy. The surgeon did not go in depth on the risks of surgery and the possibility of nerve damage. My advice is ask lots of questions and do plenty of research. Good luck all.

John, I saw my doc today. I have a ganglion cyst on my proximal joint of my ring finger on the palm side. He said that he didn't want to aspirate (suck the gel out) with a needle because 1)the cyst will probably come back 2) he said that if he pokes my tendon my finger will be "boogered up" (that's what he said lol) for life. So he wants to do an excision.
He also said that he wants to remove the stem where the fluid leaks into the "balloon" to keep it from coming back. (Ive had this one for 5 years.)
My sister had a ganglion on her wrist aspirated a couple of days ago. Her doc gave her the choice between excision or aspiration. She had the aspiration/cortisone injection. She said that it was a big needle and that, that part of it hurt. She'll just have to wait and see if it comes back or not.
Whatever you do, don't smash it. Our bodies can absorb the water out of the gel in the cyst, but we can't absorb the gel itself. If a person smashes it, it might just make the gel spread over a larger area and be even harder to remove. (that's what my doc explained to me).
I'm having an excision on Wednesday. I'm kind of afraid of exacerbation, scar tissue, pain and nerve/tendon damage but I'm just so tired of this thing that I'm taking the risk. (:

I had severe pain on the top of my right foot for a long time! The doctor tried everything in order to avoid surgery. After and MRI he determined that there were 3 ganglion cysts, 1 large and 2 smaller underneath, so he agreed to surgically remove them. They went all the way to the bottom of my foot. Shortly after surgery I would wake in the middle of the night to severe pain. Almost 2 years later I finally went to a different doctor who said I had more cysts so I opted for surgery asap. I hope this works this time.

I had a cyst removed on 11-19-2010. It hasn't been a week and my wrist is still wrapped up. my doctor said I have to keep the splint on untill I come back for my follow up visit. so that the fluid wont build up. while it is healing. and cause the cyst to come back. But it hurts like heck when I make certain movements. I can't wait untill this healing process is over. Did anyone take there splint off before time? I want this thing off...

I had a ganglion on the top (dorsal) of my left hand for almost 10 years. I'm an artist and musician and while the cyst wasn't really painful, it bothered me when my tendons would snap over top of it. Cosmetically, it wasn't too bad... it just looked like my hand was extra boney, and I was able to work part-time as a model. I tried bashing many times but it didn't work and only seemed to make it worse. I have health insurance and I decided to see a hand specialist to see what could be done. He took xrays and let me know that it couldn't be drained because it was like a hard 'sponge' full of liquid instead of a 'balloon'. The xrays revealed a slight bone protrusion that he called a boss. He never mentioned a cortizone injection. So I agreed to outpatient surgery and getting put to sleep. Ugh... Just more than 3 weeks later... the brace and bandages are off and I really regret doing this surgery. The scar is horrible but even worse is the huge lump of scar tissue under my skin. The doctor told me to massage it to break down the scar tissue. There is pain up and down my fingers into my wrist and I have a constant sensation that I need to crack my knuckles. My hand gets stronger every day, but my wrist is really weak and I can't bend it all the way back. Probably in another few weeks I'll be able to support my weight. Can't wait to do a pushup or some downward dog... but I'm really afraid this is much worse than it was when I started. I hope I will be able to resume my normal life after therapy. I don't even want to entertain the idea that the ganglion may return. Don't they do laser surgery for this somewhere that will minimize the damage? THINK TWICE BEFORE GETTING SURGERY. GET A SECOND OPINION. SEE A PLASTIC SURGEON.

I have a ganglion cyst on the top of my left wrist. I got it in the 5th grade, i am now in 8th. When it happened I was in Cheertumble doing a backhandspring, and I landed wrong. A couple days later, a small bump formed. I kept on tumbling on it though, and over the years, it has gotten bigger. I am going to see if I can get it surgically removed, because I head that aspiration is not as effective. I would like to know what the average cost of a ganglionectomy is. And any tips on how the surgery goes. Thanks.

There is another complication to the surgical procedure not mentioned in the article. My 22 year old daughter had a cyst removed from the top of her wrist. She was given too much anestesia for her body weight and had to be revived. She has since died, never fully recovering from the trauma.

I had a ganglion cyst develop in my wrist soon after joining a collegiate field hockey team, where I did way more stickwork than I'd ever done in high school. Consulted with an orthopedic doctor, who recommended splinting. While the split itself was awkward and uncomfortable, the cyst went away completely.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my left wrist on oct 13. It's now dec 21 and I still have similiar pain and there's still a bump where the cyst was removed. Is it still swollen orhas it grown back? I've started stretching my wrist to try and regain some mobility but I'm concerned that the cyst is back. Thanks for your time.

I have the cyst(s) on the inner arch of each foot. I've just read all the posts and I'm trully disturbed. Right now they are so painfull I can hardly walk. I worked in a 8 story building with no elevator for about six months, job ended this past August, up and down and all day. The cysts started to appear towards the end. I didn't pay much attention to it. Busy. Right now they are about the size of a wallnut and hurt badly with anykind of pressure. I'm on a strong dose of pain meds for another earlier injury, this pain cuts right through. I don't see how I'm going to be able to continue in my work. It's physical and I'm on my feet constantly. I've been to the podiatrist about five times. No shots, not at all optomistic about a good outcome surgicaly. (Mostly they come back, with tendon, nerve damage to boot from surgery.) So far I've been fitted for inserts for my shoes/boots, they help some, takes the direct pressure off. I had four days in a row off and it felt much better. Still hurt, but bearable. I'm in trouble. I'm in my early fifties. Maybe I'll be one of the 5 to 10 percent lucky ones and find a treatment that will give me back the mobility I feel like I need. From what I've read the foot/arch cases have a consistant outcome, not good. I guess I'll start looking for that window that is suppose to be opening up somewhere around here. I'm in Washington DC. I'm going to look for a second opinion if anyone knows anybody good I'd appreciate the info.
Good luck to all.

I have had a palm-side ganglion removed from my left wrist TWICE by two different surgeons, once in July of 08 (took it 8 months to reappear), and again in December 2010, and *two weeks* after my second surgery, the ganglion has *returned*, bigger than it was before! I am confident that the Dr got it out, but just wondering why this thing came back AGAIN... I am an artist, and of course, I am left handed. The ganglion causes carpal-tunnel symptoms, such as burning across my thumb & forefinger, pain in the wrist joint, and numbness & tingling. I am going back to see my surgeon next week to discuss other options.

I had to remove my ganglion on Monday, 23rd November 2009 and less than 6 months later it had returned. It is now just over one year later and during that time it had returned twice. I'm really not sure whether to consult my doctor as to getting it out again because there's scar tissue and last time it really hurt getting the stitches out. That was honestly the only painful thing about my surgery. Pumped full of paracetemol and bed rest, I felt fine. Why does stitch removal hurt so much? To be honest I did have a lot of dry blood, my family are bleeders! But anyone having this surgery, it doesn't hurt! Just don't take co-codamol. It managed to make my Mother blow up the microwave with an egg!

i broke my wrist three yrs ago,a ganglion cyst formed on my wrist on the right side below the thumb,but on the wrist.i had surgery to remove the cyst,during that surgery,i felt a large shocking pain,like nothing i ever felt before,the dr,asked me what did you feel there i responded pain,like no other,he said you got a zinger,what ever that means,since then two years later,thumb is still numb,on the inside,diffuclty moving thumb grabing anything or moving it the scare from surgery still very sensitve hurts to the touch,very painful moving my thumb and certain wrist movments,have gotten different diagnosies from more than one dr,the surgeon who did surgery says it,s orthopedic,all the emergency dr say he cut a nerve during the procedure,it cost me my job,iam lost and need answers..

I Had A Cyst Removed Back In August, Now It Is January. And It Has Already Returned. It Is Located On The Under Side Of My Right Wrist Pushing On My Nerves. This Is Very Painful. I thought For Sure The Proceedure They Had Done Which Is Cutting It out. Would Have Stopped This Pain And Stop It From Coming Back. Can Anyone Please Give Me Some Advice On What I Should Do. This Pain Is Almost Unbearable.

I had mine removed on 5th November 2010 and looks like it has returned already. Was advised there was a risk of the happening, but I must admit, didn't think it could be so soon. Looking at some of the above reports, especially Danielle, looks like it can be even sooner than 2 months! Got to have an ultra sound to see if this is definate, still have alot of swelling. Haven't even had a benefit of being removed as still healing.

can someone please help me i had a ganglion removed on new years eve which is about 5 - 6 weeks ago and now it has come back but this time it is very pain full and it is affecting the way and the length i walk. What should i do?

Mine was removed today, right wrist, and my dressing was soaked with blood. more than 12 hours and the freezing is still there, i dont know if its numbness or the freezing is still on effect. im having pain from wrist and forearms going to my shoulder, I dont know if its normal after the excision.

im 13 years old ive had the cyst on my wrist ever since iwas 5 and the doctore drained it twice the second time he drained it was with a needle , 2 hours after he did that it came right back and now it is affecting my hand it hurts wen i type do my hair ETC and it just hurts 24/7 im always taking meds to make the pain go away , Should i have it removed or should i wait its the size of about 8nickels . iDont kno what to do . please Send me a message of advise my email is Kelsycabrera@aol.com or send a message on facebook at kelsy breane ruby cabrera ,Thanks .

i have a ganglion cyst on the side of my foot. i have had it for 3 years now and after constant trips to see my GP they just decided last week that it needs to be removed i am very worried about this because i have never had surgery before and i hate needles and blood but i just hope that it is going to be worth it!

I had a ganglion cyst on my wrist that has been off and on for a year or so - and it used to go away until this one. Well, I just smashed this one with a tv remote and immediately following passed out and threw up... probably not the best plan...

My son has a cyst or tumor on his finger (it's his index finger if that matters) and it has become larger and painful. We had him visit a hand doctor but we do not have any insurance so we must pay.

The doctor said he did not know his cost. He told us there would be three costs. 1./ His surgery 2./ The hospital and 3./ The Anesthesiologist.

After seeing my son he directed us to patient finance at the hospital where he practices. The counselor in patient finance would not give us an answer about the cost either and directed us to patient information. At patient information we were told that THEY could not give us the cost of anything because it would require research. So they took my phone number and said they would call after researching the costs.

They called me today (after a week) and said the hospital cost averages about $5000.00. They would not give us the cost for the doctors fee or the anesthesiologist fee--they said it was completely up to the them. They told us the cost of an ultra sound was nearly $500.00 but there would be an additional fee to interpret the results of the ultra sound. Our doctor told us we could get an ultra sound in order to see if the bump is either a cyst or tumor. He examined my sons finger and had an x-ray taken (several) in his office but insisted that it was most likely a tumor.

I would like some knowledge about what my costs will be for this treatment. Am I asking to much?

Have I lost my mind?

It seems absolutely silly that the doctor (with his experience) doesn't know his fee and has no idea about what to expect an anesthesiologists fee might be? Is he that clueless? Is this typical?

I had a calcified cyst removed off a tendon in my left ankle on Nov. 15th and it still hursts really bad. Almost worst than it did after the surgery. I don't know what to do. I ask my pcp and he says he has no idea. Does anyone in here know much about calcified cysts on the 1/2 inch tendon on the left side of the left foot? I don't even know which tendon that is. lol... I would appreciate any info I could get.
Thanks.

I have a cyst on the top of my right foot that comes and goes every year it is somewhat painful but it gets about the size of a cherry tomato. It is very annoying and it tingles from time to time. I heard that if you hit it with a bible it will go away and I did, and it did not work help!

I have been diagnosed by my workers comp physician with a ganglion cyst on the nerve of my right wrist. I type all day so it has somewhat grown in size. The physician recommends getting is apirated, but is leary because of it sitting on the nerve, which causes extreme pain all the way up my right arm. It is painful and I still continue to do my work and type all day. What do you suggest I do?

I had my ganglion cyst for almost a year and a half. At first it didn't bother me at all, however it began to interfere with my piano and guitar playing, and then the pain began to increase to the point where I was ready for it to be removed. I had my cyst surgically removed. The troubles of recovery was not worth getting it removed. I had absolutely no use of my hand a month, and nothing can really numb the pain. It's been five months since my surgery, and my wrist is in an unbearably constant state of pain, worse than after surgery. I now especially can't play my instruments or put any amount Of strain on my hand. Like I said, if I knew the troubles this surgery would have caused me, I would have just kept my cyst.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my right wrist dorsal side (non-palm side) 2 weeks and 4 days ago. Still somewhat stiff and a small raised area (bump) under the incision site, most likely scar tissue cause when I massage the spot it gets smaller and flatter. At least I hope that's the case.

To the woman whose son has a cyst/tumor, they should know their fee to the dollar amount (except anesthesia cause thats based on how long the surgery is, they normally bill so much for every fifteen or thirty minutes). I got a quote for the surgery center and the doctor two weeks before surgery. Mine was $866 for the center due on surgery day and $425 for the doctor due before pre-op. The anesthesiologist was about $100 for 30 minutes of surgery. About $1400 total. My insurance did not cover cause I had not met my deductible yet. They should be able to diagnose with an x-ray or at most an MRI. Also I might think about getting a second opinion if I were you because a ganglion cyst is a type of benign tumor (and they should know what their fees are). A cyst is a tumor but not all tumors are cysts. My hand surgeon could tell it was a cyst by touching it. He did x-rays to verify cause insurance requires him to. A good specialist should be able to do this.

I had a dorsal ganglion removed from left wrist last month. It's been about 3 weeks since my surgery and my scar is healing well. The operation itself was fine; I did not experience any pain at all. The most annoying part was wearing the bandage for 2 weeks as the area was very itchy (I'm told this is a normal sensation for a healing wound). My scar is healing however, I still have some dissolvable stitches that are taking longer than expected to dissolve. The scar is roughly 2/3 inches in size and although it is quite noticeable at this stage, I still prefer that compared to having a ganglion. If anybody is considering surgery I highly recommend it however, you should still be aware of complications, the area above where my ganglion was is still currently numb and I'm not sure if I will ever recover feeling there,(I don't notice this on a daily basis though, only when I touch that particular area). I also have to exercise my wrist everyday as it was quite stiff after the bandage was removed. After 3 years of having a ganglion, I’m happy it's gone! Fingers crossed that it never returns.

I am a mature female,over the years have had many ganglion cysts,will never have surgery tho,
my remedy is to make a re clay poultice with appl cider vinegar.wrap the area when it dries out make another.
I also drink terramin clay,
may take a while but,just keep doing it,
IT WORKS,hope it helps,

I believe I had a ganglin cyst on the back of my left knee on the nerve on the out side (opposite side away from my right knee) and I had it surgically removed in August of 2010 and I am getting kne pain like I had before it was removed and I wondering if it could have come back. If you have any idea please let me know im only 17 and love sports but this knee pain is keeping me from being able to play sports!! Please any information will truly help.

Had large, about the size of a pingpong ball, dorsal wrist ganglion cyst removed 8 1/2 mo ago after having unsuccessful aspirations x 2. Developed RSD. What a nightmare this has been. Physical therapy at home and office for 7 months, including ultrasound, TENS unit, 2 unsuccessful nerve blocks, 6 months of Lyrica for nerve pain, pain pills, anti-inflammatories, ice packs, hot/cold water baths, splints to gradually manually increase movement, cortisone shots, edema glove. Still have swelling, stiffness, tightness, pulling sensation on top of hand, abnormal nerve sensation on top of hand. Wish that I had kept the cyst.

I just had the aspiration procedure done, a little uncomfortable with hardly any pain. It was the right wrist and it literally hurt to make a fist before the procedure. It's been 2 weeks, and my wrist feels 100% better. The procedure itself sounds much worse than it actually was.it only took a couple minutes and I walked right out.

What about a ganglion at the back of the head...just a little over to the right of the occipital point near the Medulla?...I have a small lump that is putting pressure on the back of my head and neck...can it be removed?

I have a large ganglion cyst just uder my ankle. It has become very painful and the doctor I seen says putting me under with a general and having surgery is my only option. A local anastetic is not acreptable he says. Do you agree with this? I have other health issues and wish to have a local and not a general.

I had gangloin cyst removal from my left palm and left index finger on July 7, 2011. I am still in pain and cannot open my hand to a full flat palm. I cannot make a fist. This is more painful than it was before. Will I ever be able to use my hand again? What makes these cysts appear? Is it from a repetative motion associated with everyday movements? Is it hereditary? Can some one answer any of the questions?

Over 5 years ago,I banged the lid of a box down on my thumb,& shortly afterwards it swelled & started to ache.Mentioned it to my G.P. during my next visit-sent me for an X-Ray,& was diagnosed as a Synovial Cyst,(& was told to take pain killers).Had a second xray a few years later & was told it is a vascular formation (more pain killers).The lump settles down for a while,but when it starts to swell it presses on a nerve & gives me gyppo.Does anyone know of a Vitamin that one can take to help with -or cure the pain? Have heard that B6 is good!

I had a volar ganglion cyst on my left wrist for a few years before it started getting painful, and I couldn't hold my trombone any longer. I had it surgically removed on 25/8/11. Pain hasn't been too bad, but the bandages are driving me nuts; they make my skin quite itchy. I had my surgery with a general anaesthetic, and so far the worst part was the nausea right after surgery. There was swelling in my hand and arm, but that seems to have gone down after the first few days. It's a bit inconvenient only having one hand to do most things, but the bandages only need to stay on for 2 weeks, and then I have my follow up to remove stitches etc... so far so good :)

After I accidentally drilled a deep 10mm hole into my index figure end,, a year later the scar tissue has now swollen to approx. Double the size of what is normal. It's at times very sensitive to touch and looks very ackward .
Wondering if surgery can reconstruct back to normal ?

I had a ganglion cust removed from my left wrist last year. I had had it for about 2 years and it started off small and didnt bother me at all. Eventually it giot bigger (much bigger) and began to interfere with everyday tasks. It used to ache all the time and i would constantly have to put pressure on it to help alleviate the pain. I went and saw my normal GP and all she did was put me on the waiting list for surgery...which could take up to 2 years. after about 6 months, i couldnt take it anymore, luckilly i had a facebook friend who had posted onher page that she just had a ganglion removed at her local superclinic. I quickly emailed her to find out details and booked an appointment that day with a doctor and surgeon. A GP, as i understand can only do the aspiration, they cannot remove it. I saw the doctor, he took a look at it, and couldnt believe how big it was, i'm talking, bigger than a marble, maybe 3 times as big. i then saw the surgeon straight after the doctor and he set a date to remove it. I was sooo relieved. This was in a superclinic, so out teh back, they had almost like a mini hospital, just with a few beds and one room for minor surgeries. i had about 10 needles directly into the area, and was awake for the whole thing, he even let me take photos. was stitched up and sent on my way, heavilly bandaged. was very very swollen but was told it was because i should have been using it for everyday duties to keep the swelling down. a year and a half later, i have had 2 physio sessions for my wrist to help improve movement as it was right on the joint, and it's pretty much back to normal. i do have a scar going across my wrist almost from my pinky to my thumb...but im just glad to have the damn thing out :)

Three years ago I was diagnosed with a ganglion cyst in my right wrist. The doctor gave me a shot in the wrist and it went away after therapy. It has now returned with the same horrid pain and swolleness. I don't know what to do! I don't want surgery, but it hurts really bad! :( Does anyone know of a natural way to cure it?
P.S.
It has moved like all over my wrist. You can e-mail me.

Hi I'm 22 and I have a cyst on my left foot just under my ankle it's really pain full I have had my MRI scan and it's 2cm I'm awaiting my op to have it removed I'm scared I hare needles and hospitals :( I'm hopeing this don't come back as i can't walk with it, will they just do the op and wrap it up and send me on my way? Or will I need crutches or a splint ? X

i got a ganglion cyst when i was 18 it would come and go it would get tot he size of a cherry tomato then pop on its on when i was 21 i finally decided to get it removed i tryed the steriod treatment before so surgery was my second option im now 26 and its back not as big as before but i notice it get bigger it hurts when i open a jar or even brush my hair im getting it removed again i hope this would be the last time!!

"Will I ever be able to use my hand again? What makes these cysts appear? Is it from a repetative motion associated with everyday movements? Is it hereditary?"

It sounds like excessive scar tissue. You may want to try massage and PT to regain full mobility. Can be caused by degeneration in as a result of repetitive movements. I feel that there can be a hereditary predisposition though there really is no evidence to support this.

@ Lydia-The corresponding area in the cartilidge of the joint casing is damaged in some way and leaking the fluid lubricant that causes the cyst. It's possible it could self-resolve or reslove-recur. I know of no homeopathy that has any effect but that's not to say it isn't a possibility.

I've had a dorsal ganglion removed from each wrist and it wasn't any big deal. Outpatient, next to zero recovery. I was maybe 15 the first time. I have also had the fluid aspirated from one in a quick in-office proceedure. That can be a lasting solution if the cyst is rather uncomplicated. It sounds to me that you may be in an area of more extensive progression, however. Have you had it imaged/checked out?

The CMC ganglion was another animal altogether. It extended itself through the carpal tunnel in one direction and throughout the palm to just about to the base of my fingers. An artery was compressed along with the median nerve. The nerves were wrapped around and embedded in the appendages but he managed to section it out in millimeters (give or take) and unwind the fibers without damaging them.

It was so numb it was excrutiating. I slept with a heating pad duct taped around it (shut up). I must have seen 3 diff doctors who all told me it was C.Tunnel and performed X-rays but no Mri and threw a bunch of pain killers at me. After about 6 months a tiny little pea-sized bump appeared mid-palm and there wasn't a surgeon who would touch it. If I remember correctly Dr. C called me the same afternoon I had the Mri. He wanted me in pre-op the next day and the O.R. a day after that.

He told me not to remove the brace or use my hand for any reason. That there was a very real possibility I would lose the hand.

I would urge anyone with a ganglion to have it excised. It isn't always as begnign as it seems. Or as is stated in most literature.

It still gets weak, painful and clumsy though the surgery was successful (8 years back). I had full mobility within 48 hours with no need for PT though he insisted I go in a couple of times. There hasn't been a recurrence so to speak but there was a very tiny mass within the tunnel a year back. Inconsequential.

The shoulder (along the same stop rooted in C6/7) bacame involved and caused the same symptoms add my hand going cold and numb. It was repaired 2 years back but the bouts of pain, loss of fine motor and tingling in the hand didn't resolve.

An EMG showed (shows) damage at the nerve root in C6/7 but that still doesn't account for the problems with my hand. They caught 2 small bilateral lesions at around C3, though,that could be a contributing factor but I'm inclined to believe that the ganglion caused some kind of permanent damage/impairment.

So i had a cyst pop up on the out side of my right foot. I have surgery on this foot and get regular injections of CortoSteriod to help with the pain since i have lost most movement. Well this thing has grown to the size of a golf ball and let me tell you the fun that is with safety boots. I think it actually went down after my last cortosteriod shot and but that was the worst one for the after math couldn't barely walk for 2 days and now my foot looks like it was ran over by a bus from the bruising. Anyone ever had that happen. Also they tried draining it and NOTHING would come out any tips on that??

Here is my story: I haven't seen anything similar so I decided to share my experience with the dreaded ganglion cyst.

Mine popped up one day when I had pain in my foot. It never went away, and I had never injured my foot. I went to a podiatrist but he didn't find anything wrong. Simply told me to wear better shoes which did absolutely nothing. For two years, it only bothered me very occassionally and usually only if I hit the outer edge of my foot against something (wall, etc.).

It got bad this last year, and I could actually see a lump on my foot. Mine was located on the top of my foot between the 4th and 5th toes, right along a nerve. My doctor did x-rays, then decided to inject my foot with cortisone shots. I had three, none of which did anything to help. I finally opted for surgery, and on May 10th, I had the ganglion removed. It hurt much worse then I had expected-I thought it would be an easy procedure. But I guess the ganglion was large, and the surgery was pretty invasive. My foot bruised really bad and for a long time I couldn't move my toes. I had to wear a surgical shoe for 4 weeks. The results came back that I had a blood vessel tangled in the ganglion and damaged muscle as well. It took about six to really heal. It was GREAT having it out but it didn't last long.

I started having pain in the bottom my foot and was forced to go back to the doctor. I received an MRI and it was found that I had a very large soft tissue mass. I just had surgery again (5 months after the last one) on October 20th. This doctor cut my old scar open and made it larger, and removed the mass-turns out it was fibrious scar tissue that was growing so much that it was pressing my bones apart in my foot causing pain. I just think you guys need to know that there is a high chance for the ganglions to come back HOWEVER the scar tissue that I experienced has an even higher chance. Something to consider. This time around has been a lot worse. I had firey pain in my foot, I had to be put on crutches it was so bad and given percocet to control the pain and it's still pretty bad. My foot swelled up so much yesterday (10 days post op) that I could not see my ankle. the bruising is back again, but I expected that.

Anyway, that is a lot of talk to make sure that if you are having ganglion surgery be very aware of scar tissue problems that can arise. I am praying to God this is my last go around with this. I think we are all learning it a a bit of a difficult surgery to recover from.

Best wishes to all of you with pesk ganglions, and here is to hoping nobody has an reoccurrances!!

I have had this ganglion cyst on my right wrist for 6 months and it has gotten larger. I had it aspirated less than a month ago and it is back. I will have it excised on Friday due to the growing pain. I pray it does not come back.

I have a ganglion cyst on top of my right wrist. I've had it for over a year. It is relatively small and only moderately painful most of the time. However, every once in a while I get a huge spike of pain that sends me thru the roof. My Doctor feels surgery could only damage my wrist and affect its functionality so he hasn't recommended surgery. A few months ago i suddenly developed another cyst on the palm side of my left ring finger. This type of cyst my doctor says has a very good success rate for surgical removal. So I had it removed 4 days ago. The incision is very small and the pain has been minimal. I have a good amount of movement and strength thus far and no swelling, etc. The bump appears to be completely gone. I am so glad I had it removed! I do wish the other cyst could be removed as easily. Another thing is the wrist cyst has a tendency to return after surgery but the finger cyst rarely returns... yeah! :) FYI- I have also had Carpal Tunnel release surgery on BOTH hands with terrific success on both. My right was done 2 1/2 years ago and my left was done 11 months ago. So far, i've had NO recurrence of CTS symptoms. I pray I never do.

In response to No. 63, Cathy, I have the same situation on my R thumb. I stuck a needle in it and drained it several times, myself. It kept returning.

I finally had a doctor slice it, the fluid removed and the cortosteroid injection. A bandage held it-no stitches. After removel of the bandage, it appeared that the doctor did not remove all of the fluid. Eventually (maybe 2 weeks) the skin returned to normal (flat) and I had a 'pretty' thumb again. Then, it returned.

I tried to drain it again, myself, and couldn't get the needle in-the skin was really tough this time. After a few days, it grew to the point it looked like a huge pimple on top of a small mountain. It got really painful and I couldn't stand it so I bit it. The pressure was released and the pain was gone. Ugly though.

Yesterday I saw a doctor who referred me to a surgeon. After reading all these comments, I am opting NOT to get the surgery at this time. I think I'll ride it out and see if it dissolves like some have said. Good luck to you, and hope this helps.

mineshowed up last friday..i got it checked out this wednesday because the pain was just awful...you could only see it if u bent my wrist tho..my dr. recognized wut it was and told me to call her friday iif my pain worsened or stayed the smae, it got worse, so i gave her a call. she gave me an urgent referral to a specialist. i went the internet and found out a lot of interesting things (do not smack it) (excision (or surgery) is the most reliable way to go to remove it, however make sure u have it cleaned out, if it is not entirely cleaned out it may return)(aspiration usually causes the cyst to return because the shell of the cyst is still there and it refills itself)when websites for me, would say things like, 'most common" or the high percentages, mine was not. i was no9t most common..i was in all the low percentages..i play volleyball all fall, and winter..im having surgry hoping that it won't reoccur. mine is on my left wrist, its dorsal(on top)
i hope helped some of you with this information..i have an appoint this upcoming week *anxious*

Hello all!
I have a ganglion cyst in the top of my left foot. It was there for sometime (like 7 years) and it wasn't causing pain or anything. I just couldn't wear (or I thought I couldnt wear cute shoes) since the cyst is right on top. I went to the podiatrist to get it checked out since my sis kept bugging me about it. She was convinced black pus would shoot out. It didn't, lol only the honey like substance oozed out. Doc stuck a needle to numb the area (which is put right into the nerve), waited for about 5-10min to let it all numb up. Doc then poked the lump with another needle and began to squeeze, once this was done the area now looked sunken in. I walked out with no issues. No foot pain just sore from it being pushed on. One month later it was back, did the same thing all over again. Another month went by and I noticed it getting bigger. I am set to have surgery in a few months, wanted to wait until after the holidays. I wish i never began messing with it. I have soreness all the time. Oh before I forget, I went to the nail salon for a pedicure (which i never do because of the cyst) the nail tech was ok but massaged the hell outta my feet and after the light pounding and rubbing the cyst actually went down a little. Needless to say it filled right back up. I am afaid of the surgery as it may not do the job and the whole "bible bump" thing freaks me out. My sister had a big hardcover book (Encyclopedia) and was about to wack the thing but I chicken'd out. good luck to all

I had a ganglion cyst on my left wrist since 2006. I have taken many bibles to it and it has NOT changed. I had it aspirated and it was back the next day. I am almost two weeks post surgery and now i have numbness in my palm. Is this normal and will it go away?

I noticed a lump inside my middle finger 2nd joint on my right hand in August of this year, and as of October my whole hand gets numb and I have limited movement in my middle finger along with swelling and tenderness. I have since seen 3 doctor's (my primary and 2 specialists) and they all did the same thing. They sent me for X-rays which doesn't show anything but a mass because its not a bone issue, so my crappy insurance finally approved me for an MRI well my primary gave me the results last night and it's devastating, all I heard was possibly cancer and biopsy before I started crying. I am scheduled to go for my surgical consultation next week. I pray that it is just a ganglion cyst or something less strenuous. I am a little freaked out by some of the stories I have read on here, I hope that everyone come out of their situations great. I will update you all on my results.

i have had a ganglion cyst on my right foot since i was 17 (34 now) that came and went three or four times and so i thought nothing of it. Once again, the mass came back but this time i noticed it was significantly larger and seemed to be two that were very close together. At first i believed it was a bone spur because of a recent injury and the first doctor i consulted took an x-ray that showed absolutely nothing. Therefore the doctor sent me on my way only telling me not to wear such tight fitting shoes? The doctor i am currently seeing suggested an MRI and discovered there were two ganglion cysts. One 3.5 cm proximal distal, 6mm in depth, and 7mm wide. the second, much smaller one was less than 5mm. The MRI report also said that the two were also likely communicating but what does that even mean? How can a fluid from a joint be possibly communicating with another next to it? If anyone else knows please respond below, i am very interested to know how this is possible. The report also said their was debris and mucinous fluid. I was not surprised by the mucus as much as i was at the fact that there was debris in my foot. The doctor opted for an ultrasound guided aspiration because it lies under a muscle in my foot. i will also have to stay on crutches for up to two weeks in order for it to properly heal. Hopefully it will be a success. Good luck to all others going through the same thing i am and may God bless you all.

I have had a ganglion below my index finger on my right hand. it has been removed twice under general anesthetic but each time it grows back again; i had it removed the first time maybe 25 years ago and then possibly 5 years after that. from time to time it hurts but in the last few days it has become really debilitating. my doctor in did a really neat job but it is disheartening that it keeps returning.

According to my dermatologist, the lump on my left index finger, top, first joint, is a synovial cyst. The fluid started coming out from an opening at the top - looked like a pimple. I soaked in in hot saline water and got more to come out, but not all. When I showed it to the dermatologist she said not to drain it. It sounds from all of your comments like draining is good. I think I will keep on soaking and squeezing the thing.

I had a ganglion cyst develop on my right big toe in April 2010. Got it aspirated and injected with steroids. It came back 2 months later, but I was able to pick the top off and give it a tremendous squeeze, getting it to volcano all of the gooey gel out. My toe was fine till February 2011, when the cyst came back. I put up with the cyst till it started causing great pain, because it was pressing on a nerve, in October 2011. I had outpatient surgery to remove the cyst on Nov. 23, 2011. I had to be put under with anesthesia for the surgery and the hospital bill, etc., even with insurance, was staggering. Anyway, here it is Jan. 11, 2012, not even two months since the surgery, and the cyst has magically reappeared. I have this new cyst sticking out through the scar right where the old cyst was. This isn't scar tissue, as the cyst just popped up overnight, which is exactly how the cyst has always appeared and reappeared. I can barely touch the cyst because the nerve is so inflamed (since I still hadn't healed all the way from the surgery yet and still can't even bend my toe a little bit). I'll go back to the doctor and maybe try to have it aspirated, but there is no way I'll go through that surgery again unless I'm in agony and it's a last resort.

Last year i realized a lump on my foot. At first i ignore it until it grows big and causes pain when i move around . I went for an aspiration but no medication was inserted.. There were actually 2 lumps - 1 big and 1 small.The big one was removed but not the small one..Immediately a few months later, the second lump grows bigger and i just had another aspiration ..Thought it go away but didn't.In fact ,after few hours later i felt pain and then i noticed the lump returned again.. Now i really don't know what to do..The doctor said that even if i go for surgery..chances of it to recur is still there. So now i really don't know what to do.

cant beleive how common this is, my doctor made me feel like an absolute idiot when i was complaining about the pain of my ganglion! shes kept saying.. GANGLIONS DONT HURT! i was in and out that doctors for a year complaining of the pain, they aspirated it but it was back by the next day i got so fed up with it so the last time i went to the docs i decided i wasnt leaving the room til they made me an appointment for surgery!! a year on from it all im finally sat here in bandages letting it heel cant wait to go bak next week and see what it looks like with no ganglion, my wrist is very tender at the mo due to the surgery but im hoping it will be so worth it, it was so annoying and painful before, happy ganglioning peeps hope u all get urs sorted and best of luck!!

im responding to the person who asked how much the surgery would cost I beleive it was comment # 39, even with insurance,for my surgery for the ganglion cyst i have will cost me 100.00 out of pocket and the rest is paid by my insurance

hi I`ve got ganglion cyst on my hand and it`s really hurts, I went to see my gp and he said I need an operation but I have to go private because they don`t do by NHS and it`s going to cost me thousands pounds, is it possible did he tell me truth?

I had a ganglion cyst on the back of my left wrist for decades. It got to be slightly smaller than a gumball or those balls that used to live inside your computer mouses. It never hurt, but when I noticed it enlarging laterally a few weeks ago, i had it aspirated. (It was so noticeable, my boss asked about it once) Came right back 36 hours later. So I scheduled the surgery with a very impressive hand specialist in NYC. I had the surgery Friday morning (today is Sunday). I was knocked out and woke up with a "dead arm", wrapped up. Surprisingly, there was hardly any pain, though I took a percoset at night just in case. The numbness sucked and kept me from doing things, but that wore off by the next morning, and now it's basically like having a cast -- my fingers are free to type and pick up light things. Just my wrist is immobilized. My only concern is they wanted me to keep it elevated and i wonder how vigilant i should be about that. I sleep with a big spongy thing that keeps it raised, and keep it up most of the time when I'm not using it (the sling makes it impossible to use the hand), but maybe that part isn't as important anymore. The doctor wants to see me in two weeks, when he'll take off the bandage, but maybe I can cut that by a few days. Typing is crucial to my work.

I have one of these dratted painful things on the top of index finger at the second joint on the right hand. It is now approx a cm round AGAIN. It has been surgically removed twice and bursts about every 8 weeks and then builds up until it bursts again. My current GP refuses to treat it. I just take panadol for the last 2-3 weeks before the pressure causes it to burst and then the cycle commences all over again. I really feel for anyone who has one of these, at least I am no longer working so it only affects my comfort and activities rather than time off work.

I had a ganglion cyst on my right ankle in 2010 and had it removed very painful then discovered that it was infected so was put on antibiotics for a week, well it came back so in august 2011 i had surgery again to remove it this time ive had an infection from hell i was getting it dressed twice a week then 3 times a week until november when the surgion decided to put me in a cast it was helping he took the cast of in febuary and i hads it off for 3 days when the wound openened up again so im back in cast and its april.Then get told that when this does decide to heal i will have to go for pyhsio dont know how long that will take but for a stupid ganglion ive lost months of my life not being able to do things i enjoy ive not driven my car since the 4th of august last year so people think hard before the surgery.

Unless it is causing pain, I would suggest that you don't do anything about it. EVERY complication including infections, scarring and inflamation are caused by the surgery!

Of course if it is affecting your quality of life, or causing pain by pressing on a nerve, then by all means do what you need to do.

I have one on my left wrist that over a few weeks grows to the size of a cherry tomato, then it slowly goes away over a few months. It has recently come back for a week, and then by gentle massaging it "deflated" under the skin and is barely detectable now.

Mine does not cause pain, so I don't need to go to a barber to have it poked or cut.

Hi I had a cyst removed of my tendon a few years back from my perfect wrist& for about 12months was ok. Then the pain came back real bad and restricted me from doin much with my wrist,weak,dropping things & constant pain . I was messed about quite a lot with the nhs system& went thru every pain killer goin which none of them did anything 4 the pain&except got me addicted 2 pain killers & sleeping tablets. This went on 4 12 months of agony & fighting 2 c the consultant. They eventually gave me an ultra sound scan which showed up a lot of scar tissue which had attached 2 my nerves& my tendon.they took me into surgery, removed the scar tissue and did a fat wrap which was took from further up my arm& used 2 wrap around my tendon& nurved 2 stop this from happening again. This was 14 months ago& now I've got the pain back in my wrist, it's come back with a vengeance and I'm losing the circulation in my hand and fingers because it keeps swelling up. Any ideas what's happend now because I can't believe I'm back in this horrible painful situation

Quite often people (even some physicians if you can believe it) will tell you to just whack it with a book to rupture the cyst. This is a stupid and potentially dangerous thing to do. Most ganglionic cysts reside on tendons, or rather the sheathes which house the tendons. By whacking the cyst with a book, you risk doing damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the surround area. But far worse is the fact that by hitting it with a book you could cause something called a compartment hemorrhage. A compartment hemorrhage is a potentially limb threatening condition where blood fills a compartment, shutting off blood to tissue and nerves.

If you have a ganglionic cyst, your should leave it alone unless it begins to become painful or impedes motion of a joint or function of a tendon. Let a physician properly treat it,
"backyard surgery" often has very unexpected and potentially very bad consequences associated with it!

hello - I am having a ganglion cyst removed tomorrow morning. I decided to just have it removed instead of aspirated because it has come and gone several times. This time it has gotten very large and painful and its been here several months. Its in an odd location. Its on the top of my foot at the base of the big toe. The only thing I am worried about is how much the surgery is going to hurt and for how long. For the person who asked about the cost I am paying out of pocket for it (no insurance) and its $450.

I have had a volatile ganglion cyst on my left wrist for around 10 years.. since I have insurance now I want to have it removed. It is directly over the vein where they check your pulse. I haven't been able to grip anything with my left hand for a few years now. Because of where it is it hurts very much. I am seeing a surgeon Tuesday. I have hit it with a book before only it didn't help. The cyst feels hard and like its deep in my wrist. I do not want it drained. I want it taken out completely.how do I get the doc to completely take it out? I know this means surgery. But after ten years I want it gone. It may of been there longer. But about ten years ago my exhusband grabbed my wrist to pull me back in a argument. I remember him squeezing my wrist and pain shooting up and down my arm. Its very tender when it is pressed. By the way I am 34 now. I was around 21 when this happened. I heard that after this long the jelly like fluid could have hardened? And with it being over top of my vein like it is they have to surgically remove it cause it may be wrapped around my vein and there are nerves close to it. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

I was looking more up on the cysts and Tumor just like you all I have one as well. It's on my bottom on my left foot about 3 inchs blow my big toe inside my foot. It is the size of a golf ball and it hurts very badly. I have tried massaging it which hurts badly as well and feels like a bad Indian burn. And makes it pop up even more. I went to a surgeon and he did a x-ray and sent me to er to get MRI. He looked at them and said it ain't no big deal a little cut on your foot your be on your way. But he said he wouldn't be able to do it cause he was going on vacation that I would have to see his partner. So I went back a week later and seen the other doctor. He came in and said I looked at them both and looked and felt of my foot. Which it's painful to even touch. He said the MRI looked ifie. He said looked easy but he was scared to do it cause he would get in there and it be worse then it looked. And he also mentioned that they didn't specialist in feet and they never done feet it would be their first. And that feet surgeries never tend to heal right and get infected so easy. He told me if I was him to get foot doctor. Which he was a great doctor and told me all kinds of things to try. Massaging and soaking it or if didn't hurt leave it alone and foot doctor. So I took his advise got a foot doctor. He got my MRI and he also took another x-ray. But before he seen me he roughy it was scar tissue and I never hurt my feet in anyway. Then he thought it would be fluid cysts so he give me a med to see if it was while he waited to get MRI and everything sent to him. I took all the med and went back to him 2 weeks later and it didn't help at all. So he said he looked at the MRI and all and said the MRI person and the other doctor all said it was something different and he said his self he didn't really know what it was. So he said he was going to cut it out. On July 19 th of this year. And I have had it since 2007 and it has been growing over time and getting more painful. He said he will numb my left leg at the hospital and then cut it out and clean it and bandage it up. Then I will be on crutches for 1 to 2 weeks. And he will send it off to see what it is. Then he will let me know if it will come back or not cause he said he doesn't know if it will or not tell he sees what it is. He said we will then if it came back we will wait til then to see busy way to handle it. And my job is standing and walking on my feet 9 hours or more a day it makes it swallow so bad and hurts. So I am hoping it heels fast but after reading everyone's I am scared it wont and it will be worse but it's so bad now. It also sends bad shocking pain up my left leg where it is either sitting and hitting my nerves in my foot or attached to the nerves in my foot where it's been growing. It's hard to tell by MRI and x ray until he gets inside and looks. So I am hoping I am make the right choice on having it done cause am 23 year old mother of a 2 year old and the choice I make hope is right so I can still run after him. You can email if u like on any of this. Thanks and best of luck to everyone.

i have the left ring finger ganglion cyst of the MCP (metacarpophalangeal joint) or knuckle. feels like Trigger Finger, where the finger locks in flexion and wont return to extension unless the finger is uncurled mechanically by my other hand. can't make a fist and have no grasping strength. data says that aspiration and excision give no better results than no treatment over 5 years. i tried Vitamin B6 as P5P (pyridoxal 5 phosphate) - a coenzyme form of B6. it is actually making the cyst shrink. give it a try BEFORE you let them aspirate or excise. 1 x 50mg tablet a day for 3 months...or longer. it's worth the wait.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my left wrist in March 2001 - the surgery was succesful, although it did take about 3 months from it to be completely back to normal, but it was useable from about 6 weeks after surgery. I've since developed a new one in the same spot in January of this year, so 11 years isn't too bad - initially I thought it was bone because it was so hard (my first one was much softer), but my GP explained that it's still just a jelly like substance in the cyst, only it's more densely packed - she thinks that the scar tissue from my previous surgery is the reason for this as the cyst has less space in which to fit - makes sense.

I'm seeing a hand surgeon in 2 weeks so we'll see what he says. I did have the first one aspirated and it was back within 24 hours, so they went ahead with surgery. I'm expecting they'll probably try aspirating it again before considering excision. The MRI scan also confirmed something that I'd wondered about having tried to feel where it was stemming from - I have a septated ganglion, which means it has more than one chamber. It's a bit of a nuisance, but I do at least know what I'm in for this time - I'm still hoping to go ahead with surgery in spite of knowing how uncomfortable it is recovering from it!

Has anyone had a dorsal ganglion cyst and when the doctor tried to aspirate it, it felt worse than giving birth (and I didn't have pain meds while in labor). I have a high pain tolerance but when the doctor put my wrist up on a block and did that it brought tears to my eyes. Took everything I had not to cry.

I had an MRI of my right wrist due to pain, numbness and swelling aftet the nerve study showed no carpal tunnel syndrome. Unfortunately the MRI showed numerous tiny intraosseous ganlgia and bone cysts involving nearly of the of carpal bones. My wrist hurts nearly all the time, with swelling and numbness of the fingers and even pain extending to the upper arm at times. My PCP, orthopedic and hand specialists have no treatment options to offer me. But surely there is help out there somewhere. If anyone is knowledgeable about options for me, please leave a message. I empathize with all of you who are dealing with this kind of problem. It disrupts my life in every way b/c of course it is my dominant hand. : (

I had a small lump on the middle finger of my left hand, just below my nail. As a matter of fact in created a crease in my finger nail and I did not have a clue what it was. It continued to get a little bigger over time, 2-3 months. I took a regular needle one day and stuck it. I could feel the needle hit resistance and could feel it go through. When I pulled the needle out and squeezed the fluid begain to come out. I was suprised how much had come out and it had the consistancy of honey(thick). After that periodically I would stick it again and drain a little more fluid out of it. Since then the swelling has gone down and I am not getting any more fluid out of it. I guess that saved me a doctors visit.

After doing internet search...I didn't realize our friend ganglionic cyst was so popular. Well, I won't rush into surgery. I'll cancel my appt. for aspiration next week. It hurts, but I can deal if I'm careful with it. Mine is in my dominant wrist, very near arteries and lots of veins and nerves involved. I'm going to get imaging done, then a specialist, as so many of you are WORSE off after aspiration/surgery. I need another opinion. God help us.

Searching for a cure also. I have a cyst on the first joint of my middle finger and it's been there almost a year. Went to the derm and she did a procedure on it. It came back within one month. Three months later I made an appt with a surgeon who did an out patient procedure on my finger. I was to keep it bandaged for two weeks. The second week, I could feel that stabbing pain start again. Wasn't long until the thing was back. The surgery was in March. I need it to go away. The only time it doesn't cause me pain is when I first wake up in the morning. As soon as I start using my hand, it starts hurting. YOu would think in this day and age, they could fix, what seems to me after reading all the posts, a common problem. I was leaning towards going back to the surgeon and ask if he would aspirate it, but after reading Glen's post, i'm scared.

Hi,frns my name is Anil from India. I Have a ganglion cyst on my left hand and i had removed it jst before 2month by a surgeon specialist but it grew again as before it was. and it pains a lot. Actually i dnt want 2go 4an other surgery coz,i m afraid of surgeries. i want sme natural ways 2 remove this. is ther any such way that i can remove this permanently without any surgery ? or should i go for an other surgery for removing this bloody ganglion cyst that pains a lot. pls help me.

I had a ganglion cyst on the top of my wrist and had it surgicall removed back in May. 3 weeks later the cyst grew back. Decided to have it surgically removed again this week. Now 3 days later one of my fingers in black and blue and numb. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone know what the problem could be?

I just had my Ganglion Cyst taken out November first. I've been taking my meds as directed. I am 15 years old, and I feel like I'm becoming delusional because of either the surgery or something. I was awake all night last night, went to my room at 9 PM. and didn't go to sleep at all. I was wondering if anyone could help me. I have to take meds to sleep, this whole weekend I was perfectly fine with sleeping and all. My meds knock me out and if not right away they do at some point, but this time that didn't happen and it's kinda making me scared. And I feel like something is just next to me wherever I am. I am worried please help!

I had a cyst removed from the back of my right rist over 2 years ago. After the first surgury I couldn't move my rist in the downward motion. Eight weeks later I went back to the dr, he performed another surgury, now the scar is twice as long as the first one. After six weeks of therapy I can't move my hand in the downward motion at all, if I close my fist I can't move my rist at all. So good luck with surgury.

I've been dealing with a ganglion cyst for 3-4 years now. I've had it drained 5 times and it keeps coming back. Now I am getting arthritis too. My orthopedic officially recommended surgery last week. I have mixed feelings about this. While having the cyst is painful and now having arthritis is even more painful, I am nervous for surgery. What is the recovery time like. I type ALL day at work. How long could I be out. Could the cyst still come back after surgery?

I've had a ganglion cyst on my RH middle finger, just below the nail on the right side of the nail. I had it operated on in May 2011 and it has grown back just as big, but now I also have the scar from the op. I will not have another op. No one seems to know the best solution --- I quite like the B6 co-emzyme remedy above ...?

I am 56 years old. In High School I had a ganglian removed from the top of my wrist. It grew back along with another one on the other hand. After the removal of three I have not had any more trouble. My 18 year old daughter had one removed in July 2012 and it grew back in under 3 months. She is scheduled to have it removed again in December. I don't know what to think.

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my left wrist in October 2012 and it's back again. First saw signs that it was coming back shortly after the half cast was taken off. I thought it might be scar tissue but noticed in early December that it was the cyst returning. I had slight pain in the wrist before surgery and the pain I have now is greater than before the surgery. I can't afford to have the surgery done again and don't think it would help anyway. All total I must have spent about $2,000.00 dollars on this. A huge waste of money if you ask me, but I'm sure the doctor was happy to get paid. I think anyone contemplating this surgery should think twice about it..

my son borke his ankle in 3 places in april of 2012 and is still try to heal. still in very much pain and told it is cyst on the joint but the Dr wont try to go in and scrape them (remove them) until a year from surgery. WHY? this just gives him continued pain at a longer duration and more pain meds. can you explain?

I went to a very good hand surgeon who is also a plastic surgeon. He fixed my shattered wrist years before so I trust him. So he said unless the cyst is causing pain leave it alone. If there is pain -surgery method is done otherwise it would just grow back. And he said the area where the leak is must be sealed or it would come back. Makes sense to me. I am going to leave it alone for now.

Hi, i had a cyst on the front of my uncle, my gp cut it out and it grew back again and cut it out 4 the 2nd, still not happy that he got the root he referred me to hospital where the surgeon said he cudnt remove as it was attached to the tendons and now have 2 go back again, does this hut for a while after?

I had a ganglion cyst removed last march 2012 it was backin two weeks, the doctor then drained it, two weeks later it were twice the size it were before surgery.
It went all the way down for one week after that. Now it's back twice the size it were before surgery. I've done some research and found that there are compression gloves to be worn after surgery for several weeks. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to have her remove it completely this time and order the gloves for post surgery treatment.

I recently noticed the cyst and thought it was a dislocated wrist bone, on account of smashing my thumb during football, and the fact that it hurts like hell. The doctor told me it was benign and shouldn't have anything to do with my ulnar nerve and I could just wait for it to go away, but I may have carpal tunnel. He's wrong. It has since become agonizing with hot/cold sensations up to my elbow, restricted movement and stiffness, and sometimes my arm feels wet. In my opinion, just have it cut right out, but be sure to splint your hand and not do much with it for a month or so to keep it from coming back. I think most joint docs are under the impression these don't hurt and are totally harmless. The point: If your body is telling you something is wrong, believe it, not the doc.

I have a ganglion cyst on the back of my left wrist. This is the second time it's appeared . It hasn't disappeared as fast this time, like it did the first time. Also a second smaller ganglion cyst has shown up right beside the big one. With the small cyst beside the big cyst being there now it is causing pain in my figures and the right side of my left hand. My question is this . What should I do ? Now that there is a second one as well.

I have a ganglion cyst on the back of my left wrist. This is the second time it's appeared . It hasn't disappeared as fast this time, like it did the first time. Also a second smaller ganglion cyst has shown up right beside the big one. With the small cyst beside the big cyst being there now it is causing pain in my figures and the right side of my left hand. My question is this . What should I do ? Now that there is a second one as well.

I have an 8mm ganglion cyst in my left knee which I found after I had an MRI. (Was playing soccer and my knee gave out on me which is how I ended up getting an MRI on it) not too sure on whether 8mm is huge for a ganglion cyst though. Mine sits at the foot plate of my ACL on my tibia.

Will I need it surgically removed? Do you need it removed? Obviously an aspiration is impossible for me considering it's location.
My cyst I'm guessing is from trauma from my soccer incident.

I have a pea size lump at the base of my right middle finger and my whole middle finder hurts. I'm going to see my doctor on Wed. Just curious, could this be a ganglion cyst? Anyone else have it at the same place and had it removed? If yes, kindly tell me if there are many complications afterwards and what is the healing time.

I had a ganglion cyst on my foot. I had it aspirated about three times but it just came back. In January 2012, I had the cyst removed under general anaesthetic in hospital. 18 months on, the little scar tissue ridge seems no longer to be there, but the cyst appears to be growing back. I'm despairing!

Thanks to LaRue for informing about compression gloves. It's been six weeks since my surgery on the inside of my palm at base of fingers. My hand is swollen and feels like a tourniquet is cutting off circulation. There is a lot of pain and stiffness which my dr told me yesterday is to be expected. He says it will peak at 3 months (does that mean the worst is yet to com?) and be pretty much resolved by 6 months. I wish I'd known this before the surgery. I have felt like I should have a compression bandage on but dr. just took stitches out and said nothing about compression. Think I'll look into the gloves, but I don't think I'd have the surgery again. i've seen some sites that claim a homeopathic or alternative cure by eating supplements or clay. Good Luck everyone.

I have had a ganglion on the top my wrist in the same place for nearly ten years now, Its come and gone of Its own accord and been very painfull, however it hasnt gone away for two years now and is not painfull anymore and Its smaller than a pea! Id like it gone but since Its between two tendons i never wanted to risk not being able to.work as a jeweller so have never had it removed.

I had a ganglion cyst up to 14 months ago when I fell and smashed it. I now have multiple come back in the same wrist. Is it true that smashing a ganglion cyst can disperse it throughout the joint causing more to come back? I have an appointment to see surgeon in 3 weeks.

I have been getting them in my wrist since I was probably 10 (im 16 now)and it swaps between wrists every year or so and its really annoying. I have one now on my left wrist its been there for about 2 years now. The other day I tried the smashing it with a book method but it didnt work and now its hurts a bit and its bigger now so thats really awesome.

I had a ganglion cyst on the top of my wrist since I was about 17, it used to go away an come back, by my late 20's the cyst was huge & looked ugly. I whacked it a few times and would go for about a week and then come back bigger. I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist, he agreed to surgically remove it. I was given a general and the operation took about 50 minutes. My surgeon came around to see me and said it was it was the biggest ganglion he's ever removed as it was also all inside my wrist too. Recovery time took longer than expected I had 2 weeks off work, but my hand was stiff and I couldn't touch my arm without getting a horrible tingling feeling. All in all it took about 6 months. That was just over a year ago, touch wood the dam thing hasn't returned.

I had a dorsal ganglion size the size of a small marble that caused numbness and pain. I had it removed and now it doesn't feel the same anymore...mobility problems, tingling sensation. What happened?? I'm young so I will be going through life in pain:(

I had a dorsal ganglion cyst removed and my mobility is not the same. Most Drs. Say it's safe but can't believe that they are cutting near nerves and tendons. My hand is pretty much useless now . All I do is pt and hope for the best.

Currently, I have a volar ganglion cyst in my left wrist, which at the present time is very painful. My excision is scheduled to take place on Monday (Nov 11), and it can't come soon enough. At times, the pain goes up my arm and sometimes I feel tingling in my hand. The strange thing is that my cyst is only noticeable if I extend my hand...how can something so small cause such pain, ugh! It is estimated to be about 1 cm in size. My question, what can I expect during and after the surgery; will I have a bandage or brace, and what recovery time frame am I facing? I work in the Information Technology (IT) field, and draft and edit IT documents. Just trying to gage my downtime, and any information this forum can provide will be greatly appreciated.

I had a ganglion cyst on my L wrist top. It wasn't painless but my doc. suggested me to get it aspirated. I did it on 28th dec.2013 and he tied a tight pink bandage on my wrist to restrict its movement. However he suggested me to remove it at the end of the day and also advise to continue working as usual. I did exactly the same. Let me tell you, here, when my doc. injected steroid into the cyst, it was harsh pain (a mix of needles like sensation + burning + aching). I dropped my guests from 3rd floor to Parking with not-that-heavy luggage in the same hand. While removing the bandage in the night, I saw that my hand was swollen and was paining.
The swelling continued to be there till next 4-5 days. Now it has been more than 10 days, still my wrist is aching. Sometimes little finger pains the other time, thumb and index fingers. Sometimes even the carpal bone hurts as if my hand has got a sudden massive jerk in a vehicle. What is this? Does anyone sailing in the same boat?

I know this is not recommended but after having a ganglion cyst come back several times, I decided to take care of it myself. I am a diabetic so I took the lance for getting blood, and I took and pierced the cyst. It only hurt for a split second. I kept squeezing until I could not get any fluid out. It is very slimy and sticky. I had to pierce it 2 times but I no longer have the cyst. Have draining it, I put an antibiotic cream on it and covered it for a couple of days. My finger does not feel any different than it did from before it pierced it.

got one of these currently on my ankle, just had a good poke at it with a needle, drained out about 150 ml of fluid, and still it came back within 20 mins, (tho could just be swollen due do the poking)

hi 217 Kayla s - how did the surgery go on the bottom of your foot ? I have a ganglion cyst on the ball of my left foot - it sticks out to the side too, like a pointy volcano. my foot doctor is willing to remove the cyst, but thinks 4 week recovery, and it may reveal a different joint problem. I'm 50 and this is my first foot problem - but I stand all day at my job, and pivot on the ball of my foot, or at least I used to ! I have high arches. and advise or similar story ? thanks, Nancy

I had a ganglion cyst removed from my wrist 36 years ago, It came back in a different shape. A year ago another one appeared on my other wrist. It was so painful and really hot. I couldn`t even peel one potato. Eventually it settled down but looked horrible. Last week I fell quite hard and put my hands out to protect myself, a few days later half my little finger lost its blood supply for about half an hour, then I noticed both ganglions had gone!!! I was so pleased. I hope they don`t reappear.

Hi, I'm Sydney and I play softball at the 12u level and I train a lot with my team, and I've had a bump on my wrist for about 2-3 years now and I'm not really sure what it is. It is located right in the middle and on top of my wrist and it is visible when i straighten my hand and arm out but when I bend my wrist it bulges out. It hasn't given given me to much trouble but it definitely hurts when I do push ups or put to much pressure on it. I haven't really noticed to much pain til these past few weeks and it worries me because I do a lot of push ups and my right wrist, the one with the ball on it, I also do a lot of different workouts that require me putting pressure on my wrist and it is difficult to do so again because of the ball on my right wrist, so I was just wondering if somebody could tell me based off of opinion what they think it is, also if I should go to the doctor considering that it is always there, always looks the same, and never goes away. I haven't really brought this up to my coach/mom because I don't want to worry them if I don't have to, so please tell me what you guys think I should do and what you think it is.
Thanks, Sydney

I got 2 under my left foot inside so no lumps. Had pain 3 yrs treated for fascia plantius mis diagnosed. So saw a different foot doctor, I had to tell her needeed a mri after she had no clue. I got the mri done, shows 2 ganglion cysts in left foot. Did research and have come across 2 products that are suspose to melt away the cyst right down to its roots, I hope these 2 products work. Go to google and put in ganglioncyst, one is red desert clay that they claim have helped thousands, other oneare 9 herbs that go thru blood system and they also disolve the cyst and its roots release free. Will start taking this they claim takes 2-3 months so praying to god it works because it really sucks when to can't walk on for feet. Any one else who has taken products like this to melt cyst please get back to me with your experiences ok. Thanks and god bless all here.